The United States and Israel conducted strikes on Iran early this morning, a major escalation of long-running tensions. Here’s what New Jersey’s top politicians are saying about it.
GOVERNOR MIKIE SHERRILL
“The safety and security of New Jerseyans is my number one responsibility. As a former Naval officer and member of the House Armed Services Committee in Congress, I know how seriously we must take any decision to use military force.
My office is closely monitoring the situation in Iran, Israel, and elsewhere in the Middle East. At this time, there is no known threat to New Jersey.
I am working closely with Attorney General Davenport, Acting Superintendent Hengemuhle, Director Hauck of our State’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and law enforcement leaders throughout our state. As a precautionary measure, law enforcement will increase patrols at houses of worship and other sensitive sites.
If you have any safety concerns, please contact local law enforcement.”
SENATOR ANDY KIM
“Americans don’t want to go to war with Iran.
By launching strikes, President Trump has made the same dangerous and foolish decision President Bush did a generation ago. He put Americans in harm’s way without clearly showing there’s an imminent threat to our national security. He put the Iranian people in harm’s way by calling on them to rise up without a broad coalition of partners to assist in their protection. And Trump once again started a cycle of violence that has already escalated and could spiral out of control. This is unacceptable.
The Senate should vote on Senator Kaine’s War Powers Resolution immediately.
I stand ready to do so today.”
SENATOR CORY BOOKER
“America must be strong and smart. Today’s actions were launched by a president who has rarely proven to be either.
Let me be clear: The Iranian regime is one of the most dangerous, destabilizing forces in the Middle East. It has American blood on its hands. It has armed and supported terrorist proxies who have killed tens of thousands. It has brutalized its own people, killing thousands in recent weeks, simply for demanding basic human rights and a future free from oppression. Iran remains the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, and a nuclear-armed Iran would pose an intolerable threat to the United States, to our allies, and to global security. That outcome must never be allowed.
But none of these facts suspend our Constitution or confer upon any president the authority to unilaterally wage war. The Constitution is unambiguous: Congress alone has the power to declare war and to authorize the use of military force.
Today, Americans are feeling less safe because President Trump launched ‘massive and ongoing’ military strikes on Iran without Congressional authorization, without meaningful consultation with lawmakers, and without presenting a credible legal justification or coherent strategy. He has taken our nation into a major military confrontation with the stated intent of regime change and in doing so has put our troops, our diplomats, and our regional partners at grave risk, while dragging the United States toward another costly and protracted conflict in the Middle East.
The president has presented no strategy for what happens if the Iranian regime collapses.
No plan for managing the inevitable power struggle among armed factions.
No plan for securing nuclear material.
No plan for preventing a humanitarian catastrophe.
No plan for protecting tens of thousands of U.S. troops and civilians across a region now on high alert.
No plan for coordinating with suddenly imperiled neighboring nations.
No plan for what comes after the bombs.
And no transparency with Congress or the American people about the human and financial costs of his military actions.
In fact, in the weeks before these attacks, even Secretary of State Rubio cautioned that no one can predict what would follow the fall of Iran’s leadership and that the risks to U.S. forces and regional stability would be enormous. These warnings were not heeded.
Military action alone cannot solve Iran’s nuclear challenge. We saw this last year when President Trump claimed he had ‘completely obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear program with a set of strikes – claims that were swiftly proven false. The American people deserve honesty, not bluster; clarity and sober judgment, not reckless adventurism in matters of national security.
The Trump administration must immediately brief Congress on the intelligence, objectives, legal basis, and long-term strategy underlying today’s action. Congress must reassert its constitutional role – not simply roll over – because war and peace cannot be left to the impulses of any one president, especially not this one.
We should have learned from the last two decades of conflict in the Middle East that wars launched without clear goals and without an end-state in mind rarely end well. They cost lives, destabilize regions, embolden adversaries, and weaken America’s moral standing.
I am grateful for the professionalism and bravery of our service members who now find themselves in harm’s way, and I pray for their safety. They are the finest fighting force in human history, willing to shoulder dangers most Americans will never see. They deserve leadership guided by strategy, grounded in law, and worthy of their sacrifice – not reckless decision making that places them in the path of escalating danger.”
CONGRESSMAN JOSH GOTTHEIMER
“Today, the United States, with our key democratic ally Israel, took decisive action to defend our national security, fight terror, protect our allies, and stand with the Iranian people who have been massacred in the streets for demanding freedom from the murderous Iranian regime. I applaud the extraordinary bravery and professionalism of our servicemembers and pray for their safety as Iran and its terrorist proxies retaliate against American bases and our partners in the region.
Since 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran has declared America the ‘Great Satan’ and, with cries for ‘Death to America,’ made clear its commitment to our destruction. Despite repeated diplomatic efforts, the regime has relentlessly pursued a nuclear weapon and waged a campaign of terror across the Middle East — all while its own people suffer under corruption, repression, and economic collapse.
Let me be clear: Iran is the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism and poses an existential threat to America. Tehran has armed, funded, and directed terrorist proxies responsible for killing Americans and attacking our servicemembers, military bases, and ships. That includes its backing of Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack, which murdered more than 1,200 innocent men, women, and children and resulted in the kidnapping of 251people, including 12 Americans.
I have requested an immediate classified briefing to review the scope of U.S. military operations, coordination with our allies, and the steps being taken to protect American citizens in the region. I expect the President to comply with the War Powers Act. Congress and the appropriate committees must be fully briefed on the strategy ahead to secure American interests, protect our allies, and create the conditions for a safer and freer future for the Iranian people.
At home, I’ve been in communication with the Governor and local law enforcement about increased patrols around religious institutions to ensure the safety of our communities here in Jersey. I am grateful for the Governor’s response and vigilance during this sensitive time.
Confronting the Iranian threat is essential to America’s national security and to global stability. The world is safer because of the courage and skill of our service members. I am praying for their safety and the safety of all of our allies who have been targeted by Iranian retaliation.”
CONGRESSMAN CHRIS SMITH
“For far too long, Iran has held the world hostage with its nuclear threats and state-sponsored terrorism. As today’s strikes have exemplified, all diplomatic endeavors to secure peace with the Iranian dictatorship have been exhausted.
President Trump is a man of his word. He pledged U.S. military action if Iran did not immediately halt its nuclear weapons program and cease its bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests. Despite ample warnings and admonishments to negotiate seriously, Iran has defied U.S. diplomacy to end its decades-long quest to procure nuclear weapons and cease its despicable violence against Americans, Israelis, and the Iranians themselves.
Among the many egregious concessions in 2015 by President Obama to the Iranians to get a deal included the removal of a treaty obligation that would have ended Iran’s missile program and prevented the mass production of the ballistic missiles that are today raining down on American military in the region, Israeli civilians and neighboring countries.
From a debate on the House floor in 2015: “Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s criticized the call for Iran to end its ballistic missile program, characterizing it as ‘a stupid, idiotic expectation’ and claiming ‘the Revolutionary Guards should definitely carry out their program and not be satisfied with the present level. They should mass produce.’”
And mass produce they have, killing thousands and putting millions at risk!
The Trump administration has refused to allow the United States to be bullied by Iran and its terrorist proxies, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. And with the support of our strong ally and friend, Israel—who, for decades, has been the target of an unimaginable violence and terror campaign by Iran—I am confident that we will be able to disarm and immobilize the credible, global threat of Iran.
May God bless our courageous servicemembers, as well as the IDF soldiers, who have been tasked with undertaking this critical mission to dismantle Iran’s reign of terror.”
CONGRESSMAN TOM KEAN JR.
“After months of failed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, President Trump made the necessary decision to take action. The Iranian regime has long been the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism and is a direct threat to the United States, Israel, our allies, and interests across the region. Allowing the Ayatollah to advance toward nuclear capability was unacceptable. We stand firmly behind the men and women of our armed forces as they carry out this vital mission, and pray for their safety.”
N.J. ATTORNEY GENERAL JENNIFER DAVENPORT
“With the announcement that military strikes have taken place in Iran, Israel, and elsewhere throughout the Middle East, Governor Sherrill has been in communication with my office, Acting Superintendent Hengemuhle, and Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Thomas Hauck as we coordinate with our federal partners, the 21 County Prosecutors, and law enforcement leaders across this state, as well as community and religious leaders. It is the highest priority of the Sherrill Administration to keep the residents of the State of New Jersey safe during this time of increased tension and social media activity.
While there are no specific threats to safety in New Jersey, law enforcement will increase patrols of sensitive areas – particularly houses of worship – to ensure that everyone feels safe and secure in their communities. Law enforcement will be taking other steps – some that will be noticeable and others that may be taken out of view – and all out of an abundance of caution. We continue to call upon New Jersey residents to be extra vigilant, and if you see suspicious activity, please report it to your local authorities without delay.
Please know that we will continue to work together, implement any additional precautions, and communicate as appropriate, and that we remain steadfast in our efforts to ensure that our state is not home to hate, intolerance, or violence. We encourage all residents to report incidents of bias to their local law enforcement or to our office via the NJBIAS online portal at https://bias.njcivilrights.gov, or by calling 800-277-BIAS.”
CONGRESSMAN HERB CONAWAY
“There is much we do not know about the decision to conduct strikes against Iran taken by the President this morning. These actions have directly endangered the lives of American servicemembers and embassy personnel throughout the region. Without a clear strategy, without a full understanding of the risks to our servicemembers, and without assessing the danger of regional escalation, these strikes are reckless and risk yet another endless war in the Middle East.
I, like other Members of Congress and the American people, heard the Administration’s claims that the Iranian nuclear program had been destroyed. However, as a new member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am disappointed that this Administration has not been transparent about their actions in the region, especially the developments from today. The Iranian regime has proven to be brutal. It has repeatedly repressed its own people and killed thousands of protestors. Their malign activities continue to destabilize the region. However, as a veteran, especially as someone who served in the Medical Corps, I understand how serious the implications of any decision to take military action are on our men and women in uniform.
Congress alone has the power to declare war. This military action against Iran without congressional authorization is illegal. As soon as Congress reconvenes next week, we will vote on the bipartisan Khanna–Massie War Powers Resolution.
This resolution simply reaffirms the Constitution: if a President wants to take this nation to war with Iran, they must first come to Congress and make the case to the American people.”
CONGRESSMAN DONALD NORCROSS
“Last night, President Trump unilaterally ordered a military strike against Iran. For decades, the Iranian regime has posed a persistent threat to U.S. national security, beginning with the 1979 hostage crisis and continuing through its pursuit of nuclear weapons capabilities, its role as a leading global sponsor of terrorism, and its oppression of the Iranian people.
In response to the recent U.S. strike, Iran has reportedly launched attacks on four of the thirteen U.S military bases in the region, where more than 40,000 U.S. service members are currently stationed. In June of last year, the President asserted that Operation Midnight Hammer had ‘obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear program.
The American people deserve to understand why this latest strike was undertaken, why it was initiated at this time, and what clear strategy exists to bring this situation to a responsible conclusion.
Above all, we must ensure the protection of our troops abroad and safeguard religious institutions and vulnerable communities here at home from potential retaliation. I am therefore calling for an immediate classified briefing to Congress to fully explain the rationale for this action and the path forward.”
CONGRESSWOMAN NELLIE POU
“Once again, the Trump–Vance White House has failed to justify war to the American people, outline a clear plan or achievable goals, or properly consult Congress, which holds the constitutional authority over war and funding.
The regime’s attacks today on other neighboring ally states is an outrage and illustrates the danger of this campaign exploding into a larger, more uncontrollable conflict.
For nearly 50 years, the Iranian regime has been one of the foremost incubators of terrorism in the world. The regime’s terrorism has murdered countless innocent people across the globe and the regime has killed Americans. The Iranian regime’s quest for nuclear bombs constitutes one of the gravest threats to the world. Just weeks ago, the regime butchered in cold blood tens of thousands of Iranians peacefully protesting for a better future. The ultimate demise of this regime, when it arrives, will be a great day for millions for Iranians, for the United States, and for the cause of freedom across the world.
Yet Americans do not want and did not vote for another extended war that will cost the lives of our brave servicemembers. This week Congress will reconvene to consider limits on the President’s power to make war. Our debate could not be better timed.
I am hoping and praying for our brave military personnel, the people of Iran and all innocent people impacted by this violent conflict.”
CONGRESSWOMAN BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN
“The American people don’t want war with Iran. The President never made a case for war, not to the American people, not to Congress, not to our allies overseas. Instead, this President has conducted an illegal operation and put American troops in harms way and killed untold numbers of civilians on the ground in Iran.
Speaker Johnson must immediately hold a vote on the Massie-Khanna Iran War Powers Resolution. Donald Trump’s actions are reckless and make the world less safe. If the American people are to be safe, Donald Trump must be impeached.
I will monitor the situation as it develops and continue to pray for the safety of our servicemen and women as well as the innocent civilians who will be impacted throughout the region. I encourage everyone to make their voices heard loud and clear, ‘No War with Iran.’”
CONGRESSMAN ROB MENENDEZ
“No president should be able to unilaterally commit America to a war without authorization from Congress or the consent of the American people. And it is clear, Americans do not want to send our sons and daughters to go to war with Iran.
That is exactly why Congress needs to immediately reassert its war powers.
We can support Iranian democracy without starting a war that no one wants. Congress must pass a war powers resolution and stop Trump from committing us to yet another war.”
CONGRESSMAN FRANK PALLONE
“Trump is the warmonger. He is causing the violence. He’s not the president of peace. He’s the president of war. If America is attacked or our soldiers are put at risk, it’s because of Trump’s desire to go to war. And his refusal to ask Congress or even listen to his own advisors, is because he’s unhinged and doesn’t want cooler heads to prevail. What country will he attack next in an effort to drag America into further wars? There is a reason the Constitution gives Congress—not the President alone—the power to declare war. It’s to avoid a reckless president bombing whatever he wants.”
CONGRESSWOMAN LAMONICA MCIVER
“This is clearly a war of choice. The Constitution requires the Administration to come before Congress for authorization—something this President has not done.
I will not support this war. I’m praying for the safety of our service members & civilian’s who are in danger.”
CONGRESSMAN JEFF VAN DREW
“For decades, the Iranian regime has funded terrorism, threatened our allies, and chanted ‘Death to America’ while destabilizing the Middle East. What we are witnessing now is a decisive response to years of aggression. The leadership of the world’s largest state sponsor of terror has been dealt a powerful blow. We killed one of the most evil men in the world, along with 40 of his cohorts. When America leads with strength, our enemies think twice, and the world is safer for it. Our men and women in uniform performed with extraordinary courage to get the job done. Every American should be grateful for their service tonight. God bless our troops. God bless our allies. And God bless the United States of America.”
Senator Andy Kim also appeared on NBC News to discuss the strikes:
CD-11 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE ANALILIA MEJIA
“The President has launched an unlawful regime change war with Iran, putting American troops at risk. Congress must return now to vote on the bipartisan War Powers Resolution. Every member of Congress and candidate must take action to uphold the Constitution.”
CD-7 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE REBECCA BENNETT
“Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon, but sending America’s sons and daughters into harm’s way requires clear objectives and a real strategy. Right now, the Trump administration has provided neither.
They have not offered clear, compelling evidence that this military action was necessary, nor explained what success looks like or how this ends.
Donald Trump, who has never worn the uniform of this country, is now warning that “we might lose American lives.” Those risks should never be taken lightly or without a plan. Military action should only be taken after every diplomatic tool has been exhausted.
The President campaigned on lowering costs for American families, not on dragging America into another costly, endless war or pursuing regime change overseas.
We need strength and accountability at the same time. Congress needs to do its job, and we all deserve the truth.”
CD-7 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE MICHAEL ROTH
“The Iranian regime is a brutal sponsor of terror. But no president should be able to move this country toward war without Congress, without a clear strategy, and without the support of the American people.
Donald Trump promised to end wars, not start new ones. Instead, he has repeatedly used military force without a clear plan for what comes next, and now risks pulling the United States into a broader conflict with Iran.
War demands clear goals, honest leadership, and constitutional accountability. Our service members deserve more than improvisation. The American people deserve the truth. And Congress must do its job before this becomes another endless war.”
CD-7 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE TINA SHAH
“Reflecting on the last 24 hours, let me be clear: the Iranian regime is brutal, repressive, and destabilizing. That being said, the U.S. Constitution is clear: the power to declare war belongs to Congress. This safeguard exists for a reason, to prevent any president, especially Donald Trump, from unilaterally dragging the nation into war without debate, justification, and accountability.
For years, Americans were told by Trump and Representative Tom Kean Jr. that we would end ‘forever wars’ and refocus on strengthening our economy and lowering costs for families. Instead, at a moment when our priority should be improving life here at home, they have once again failed.
The Iranian regime has silenced dissent with violence and has long been recognized as a leading state sponsor of terrorism responsible for the deaths of American servicemembers and innocent civilians. No one should support the Iranian regime let alone allow them access to a nuclear weapon.
But we cannot abandon our Constitution. American citizens, and our men and women in uniform have already paid the price for reckless war. As a physician who worked at the VA to expand access to care for Veterans, I have seen firsthand the lasting physical and psychological costs of decisions made from leaders without sufficient scrutiny or planning. War is not an abstract debate; it is a lifelong burden carried by American families.
Congress must reassert its constitutional authority. Tom Kean Jr. should be leading here and pushing the President to be open and honest with the American people. The stakes are not theoretical. The safety of our troops, the stability of our nation, and the credibility of our democracy depend on what Congress chooses to do next.”
CD-12 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE ADAM HAMAWY
“Days like today are why I decided to put my life on hold and run for Congress. Politics was never my plan. I served as a combat surgeon in Iraq, so I know first hand what war does to the human body and to families. Since I left the army, I have travelled the world on volunteer medical missions in war and disaster zones, including in Syria, Sudan, Haiti, Bosnia, Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, the West Bank, and Gaza.
I will never forget what I saw in these places. After politicians decide to drop bombs, they move on. I have been there on the ground with communities to pick up the pieces. These attacks have reportedly claimed the lives of dozens of school-children. The impact on families will last lifetimes.
US interventions like this are disastrous and do not work. Donald Trump is dragging us into an illegal regime change war that will de-stabilize yet another country, take lives, and waste our tax dollars. Americans are not asking for this. It will not make us safer. Congress must pass a War Powers Resolution to end this illegal war.
Here in New Jersey, I often cover the emergency room at Robert Wood Johnson in New Brunswick and I run my own practice in Princeton. Every day, I see working families getting crushed by the healthcare system. No family should have to choose between rent and medical bills.
Why can we afford to bomb countries a world away, but my patients in New Jersey cannot afford healthcare? This question, and days like today, are why I am running for Congress. We need healthcare, not bombs.”
CD-12 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE SUE ALTMAN
“The Iranian regime is a menace who should never be allowed access to nuclear weapons. Their crimes are rivaled only by the atrocities they commit against their own people. I stand with anyone fighting for democracy, especially in the Middle East at a time when autocracy and fascism rise across the world.
But peace requires hard work, diplomacy, and cooperation. Over his entire Presidency, Trump’s reckless, selfish, and corrupt actions have made the world less safe, endangered American national security interests, put our servicemembers’ lives on the line, and violated our Constitution and the core principals of our democracy.
We have seen what happens when we use our military to force regime change without a clear path forward – we should not enter another endless and illegal war.”
CD-12 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE SHANEL ROBINSON
“As an Air Force veteran and an American, I stand with our troops and pray they all return home safely from Donald J. Trump’s unauthorized war against Iran.
This President has committed this country to a war of choice in clear violation of the United States Constitution, which places the power to declare war solely in the hands of Congress. While Iran is a destabilizing force in the Middle East, there is no imminent threat that justifies bypassing Congress and the American people to take us to war.
Congress must immediately retake its Constitutional authority and make clear to President Trump that he is neither a dictator nor a king.”
CD-2 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE ZACK MULLOCK
“President Trump has once again violated the Constitution and is leading us into yet another forever war. The War Powers Act requires congressional authorization, and Jeff Van Drew & Congress will yet again surrender that authority to the Executive Branch. We need leaders in Congress who will uphold the Constitution and put a stop to these abuses of power.
We are praying for the safety of our troops, their families, and the working people who so often bear the brunt of reckless decisions made in Washington.”
CD-2 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE BAYLY WINDER
“I spent years working on Iran at the State Department, and Middle East policy at USAID and as a scholar at the Middle East Institute. I’ve studied this issue my entire career. So let me be clear about what happened today: this was not self-defense. This was a choice, and it was the wrong one.
Iran was not racing to build a bomb. The IAEA confirmed that. There was no imminent attack on American troops or our allies. Negotiations were making progress just 48 hours ago. The President didn’t strike because he had to. He struck because he wanted to.
And he did it without asking Congress, or the American people, for permission. The Constitution says Congress decides if we go to war. Not the President. Not a Truth Social video at 2 AM. But Jeff Van Drew and the rest of this Congress won’t lift a finger if it means standing up to Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, families in South Jersey can’t afford groceries. Healthcare costs are out of control. AI is about to wipe out jobs across every industry. And Washington’s answer is to start a regime-change war 6,000 miles away that nobody here asked for and almost everyone opposes.
Congress needs to reconvene Monday and vote on the war powers resolution. Every member, including Jeff Van Drew, needs to go on the record.”
ASSEMBLYMAN MIKE INGANAMORT
“From its birth, the Iranian regime’s motto has been ‘death to America’ – a statement it repeatedly put into effect, from bombing the U.S. Embassy in Beirut to maiming and murdering our soldiers in Iraq, and attempting to assassinate President Trump.
To say President Trump ‘started a cycle of violence’ is truly naive and historically illiterate. It misses what this moment is: a singular opportunity to free people and create a much safer world.
I am all too aware that we cannot predict where things can go. But now that we are here, I hope and pray that we have seen the last of this regime and the last of these wars.”
