A political science professor, political analyst, mother, and longtime New Jersey Second Congressional District resident, Brigid Callahan Harrison literally wrote the book on American government and democracy -- American Democracy Now. It’s why she knew she had to stand up when she saw how Congressman Jeff Van Drew put his own personal political interests over his oath to the Constitution and the people who elected him in South Jersey.
Now Brigid is running for Congress to fight for what’s right — greater access to quality, affordable health care, investment in infrastructure, relief for families facing crippling student loan and vocational school debt, making sure we get corporate special interest money out of our politics. While Jeff Van Drew only looks out for himself in Washington, Brigid will always put South Jersey first. She’ll never put politics over country.
Brigid first became interested in politics by having family discussions with her father, a councilman in Runnemede – a tradition she continued with her own children. She has dedicated her professional life to teaching and researching American democracy and politics, including writing one of the leading introductory textbooks on American government used by students across the country.
For the past two decades, Brigid has taught political science and law at Montclair State University, mentored hundreds of students, researched and championed women in politics, moderated New Jersey gubernatorial and Senate debates, and been regularly featured in local, statewide, and national media for her political analysis.
Brigid grew up in South Jersey with her six siblings and has resided in the Second Congressional District for over 40 years. She has long been active in her Atlantic County community, serving as the membership chair of the Smithville Elementary PTA for a decade, volunteering as a board member for Holy Spirit High School and the Stockton University Foundation, the Atlantic County Women’s Center, and the American Cancer Society – Atlantic County Unit.
