Rev. Jackson served 35 years as Pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Hackensack before retiring last year
Rev. Jackson will lead voter outreach efforts in communities of color throughout the Fifth District for Gottheimer’s campaign
Ridgewood, NJ – U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced today that Reverend Gregory Jackson, a widely-respected community leader and the longest-serving pastor in Mount Olive Baptist Church’s 130-year history in Hackensack, has been named Vice Chair of his re-election campaign.
Gottheimer, who is seeking his third term in Congress, called Rev. Jackson a dear friend, mentor and inspirational leader and said that the recently retired pastor, who led his congregation for more than 35 years, will lead voter outreach efforts in communities of color throughout the Fifth District.
“I am deeply honored to have the support of Rev. Jackson, a pillar of this community who is so widely respected in North Jersey. To know that he will be taking on this important role with my campaign means the world to me,” said Gottheimer. “Rev. Jackson has not only blessed and inspired his congregation with his wisdom, compassion and spiritual guidance for more than three decades, but he has selflessly dedicated his life to helping others, lifting up those in need and building a stronger community. We are so fortunate for all he has done for the North Jersey community and I am proud to call him a dear friend and mentor. I look forward to working with Rev. Jackson to bring our message to voters and to stand up for the Jersey Values we all share.”
“Josh Gottheimer has never forgotten that public service is about improving the lives of people in our communities and fighting for the ideals that make North Jersey such a great place to call home,” said Rev. Jackson. “As our Congressman, Josh has been passionate about bringing people together to make progress in any way he can to benefit this community. No matter the challenge, we can always count on him to fight for us, to put our families ahead of political expediency and to celebrate our differences – knowing they are our greatest strength. That’s why I am proud to support Josh’s re-election and I am honored that he asked me to be a part of his campaign’s leadership team. It’s so important we have Josh in Congress and we must stop at nothing to prevent the seat from falling into the hands of another Tea Party extremist.”
Rev. Jackson was named pastor at Mount Olive Baptist Church in 1984 and helped build a flourishing house of worship that has hosted numerous civil rights leaders, including Congressman John Lewis, and has also served as a welcoming home for those in need throughout North Jersey. Under his leadership, the church built the Logan Family Center to deliver social services, educational programs and emergency aid. Rev. Jackson also founded the Interfaith Brotherhood and Sisterhood Breakfast and currently serves as President of the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Missions Convention.
