Michelle Middleton

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Michelle Middleton

All Of Us! Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Samuel J. Tilden High School

Associate

Saint Joseph College

Bachelor's

Thomas Edison State University

Personal

Birthplace

New York, N.Y.

Religion

Non-denominational Christian

Profession

Public relations

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Instagram

Michelle Middleton (All Of Us! Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent New Jersey's 10th Congressional District. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Middleton completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Michelle Middleton was born in Brooklyn in New York, New York. She graduated from Samuel J. Tilden High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Thomas Edison State University and an associate degree from Saint Joseph College. Her career experience includes working in public relations. She has been affiliated with the New Art - New Ark program, the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Noble, and New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce.

Elections

2024

See also: New Jersey's 10th Congressional District election, 2024

New Jersey's 10th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 4 Democratic primary)

New Jersey's 10th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 4 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House New Jersey District 10

The following candidates ran in the general election for U.S. House New Jersey District 10 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		LaMonica McIver (D)	74.4	182,020
		Carmen Bucco (R)	22.2	54,405
		Jon Serrano (G)	1.3	3,198
		Cynthia Johnson (C4C 2024 Party)	0.9	2,132
		Michelle Middleton (All Of Us! Party)	0.7	1,686
	Submit photo	Donna Weiss (Social Activist Party)	0.5	1,136

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 244,577
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Donald Payne Jr. (D)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 10

Incumbent Donald Payne Jr. (Unofficially withdrew) advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 10 on June 4, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Donald Payne Jr. (Unofficially withdrew)	100.0	30,180

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 30,180
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 10

Carmen Bucco advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 10 on June 4, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Carmen Bucco	100.0	5,264

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,264
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Ramon Hernandez (R)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Middleton in this election.

2022

See also: City elections in Newark, New Jersey (2022)

General runoff election

General runoff election for Newark City Council West Ward

Dupre Kelly defeated Chigozie U. Onyema in the general runoff election for Newark City Council West Ward on June 14, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Dupre Kelly (Nonpartisan)	58.7	1,973
	Submit photo	Chigozie U. Onyema (Nonpartisan)	41.3	1,391

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,364
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

General election

General election for Newark City Council West Ward

The following candidates ran in the general election for Newark City Council West Ward on May 10, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Dupre Kelly (Nonpartisan)	38.0	1,489
✔	Submit photo	Chigozie U. Onyema (Nonpartisan)	29.0	1,137
	Submit photo	Oscar S. James II (Nonpartisan)	13.0	510
	Submit photo	LaVita Johnson (Nonpartisan)	9.7	380
	Submit photo	Lyndon F. Brown (Nonpartisan)	8.0	313
		Michelle Middleton (Nonpartisan)	2.3	90

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,919
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Michelle Middleton completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Middleton's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am currently a Registered Lobbyist working independently for a local nonprofit organization . My background includes over 20 years of experience in Residential, Commercial and Campus Housing Management . I am also a retired Police Officer and a mother of a college student. An Alumnus of Pace University, Saint Joseph’s College and Thomas Edison University I hold a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. I am an artist at heart, I worked at the Solomon Guggenheim Museum out of Highschool where I met the most talented people I have ever known. Some of my work includes abstract paintings, sculptures and repurposed goods. As a young person growing up in a major city like New York I understood that politics were the doorway to democracy and if you wanted your voice to be heard and listened to, you must create a seat at the table. My move to Newark, NJ nearly 20 years ago was one of the best decisions I made to purchase a home that was seemingly affordable for the time. Your diverse background and experiences make you well equipped for your current role as a registered lobbyist. My extensive experience in housing management, combined with my public safety background and artistic pursuits, give me a unique perspective in advocating for nonprofit organizations. My deep understanding of politics and community engagement, cultivated during my time in New York and later in Newark, NJ, further enhances my ability to effectively navigate and influence policy decisions.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Advocacy for Women’s Rights and Maternal Health:** I am dedicated to preserving women's rights to make decisions about their own bodies and addressing the critical issue of maternal mortality, driven by personal experiences with gain and loss. Commitment to Mental Health:** I believe mental health is a crucial aspect of women's well-being, particularly in relation to fertility, and will prioritize policies that support comprehensive mental health care.
• Addressing Housing Demand:** I am committed to tackling the growing demand for housing by promoting sustainable and equitable development solutions. Advancing Affordable Housing:** I will prioritize the development of affordable housing to ensure that all individuals and families have access to safe and reasonably priced homes. Leveraging Experience:** My extensive background in housing management equips me with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively advocate for policies that address these critical housing issues.
• Focus on Eldercare: I am committed to bringing attention to the often-overlooked issue of eldercare and ensuring it receives the focus it deserves in policy discussions. Support for Aging Population: I will advocate for viable solutions that will address the needs of our aging population, including improving access to affordability of healthcare facilities. Dignity in Aging: My goal is to ensure that our elderly citizens can thrive with dignity, through comprehensive support systems and quality care options.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about:

Economic Stability and Growth:

Ensuring a robust and functioning economy that supports all citizens, particularly those facing economic hardship, is crucial for maintaining a decent standard of living.

Addressing Poverty:

I am dedicated to developing policies that address poverty and support underprivileged communities, helping to create opportunities for economic advancement and security.

Strengthening Education:

I believe that a strong economy is essential for a thriving educational system, and I will work to ensure that economic policies support and enhance educational opportunities for future generations.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I would recommend my forthcoming memoir, *Thee Algorithm*, which will be released in 2025. This book offers an in-depth look at my political philosophy and personal experiences, providing valuable insights into my views and motivations.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics or principles for an elected official include:

Integrity:

Adhering to ethical standards and being honest in all dealings, building trust with constituents.

Commitment to Public Service:**

Prioritizing the needs and welfare of the public over personal or partisan interests.

Effective Communication:

Clearly articulating policies and listening to the concerns and needs of constituents to make informed decisions.

Accountability:

Taking responsibility for actions and decisions, and being transparent about the processes and outcomes.

Empathy and Compassion:

Understanding and addressing the diverse needs and challenges faced by the community with sensitivity and care.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

For someone elected to New Jersey Congressional District 10, the core responsibilities include:

Representing Constituents:

Advocating for and addressing the needs and concerns of the district's diverse population, ensuring their voices are heard in Congress.

Legislative Oversight and Policy Making:

Crafting, supporting, and voting on legislation that impacts local and national issues, including economic development, healthcare, and education.

Constituent Services:

Providing assistance to residents with federal issues, such as Social Security, immigration, and veterans’ benefits, and connecting them with relevant resources.

Building Community Partnerships:

Collaborating with local organizations, businesses, and leaders to foster development and address district-specific challenges.

Transparency and Accountability:

Maintaining open communication with constituents about actions and decisions, and being accountable for representing their interests effectively.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Au bon pain cafe at the Chanin building in Grand Central Station New York. I absolutely loved that place. I still remember my boss Eian who gave me my first job while in my junior year of high school. I would bring all my favorite teachers croissants. That time highlighted a meaningful chapter from my high school years.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The Hudson County Chapter of APRI

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Interview with NJ Spotlight News

Middleton highlighted the following themes in an interview with NJ Spotlight News in 2024. The questions from NJ Spotlight News are bolded and Middleton's responses follow below.

“

Personal background: Michelle Middleton is a dedicated public servant and advocate with over 21 years of experience in New Jersey. Born and raised in Brooklyn, she has spent her career championing the needs of marginalized communities as a lobbyist for civic non-profits and a leader in various organizations. With a background as a police officer and real estate executive, Michelle possesses a unique perspective on public safety and community development. As the founder of the Brooklyn Lotus Cancer Foundation, she honors the memory of loved ones lost to cancer by focusing on research and support for women affected by the disease. Michelle’s commitment to the arts as a healing tool has driven her to integrate artistic initiatives into community programs. A proud single mother, Michelle has a son in his final year of college and is passionate about creating a better future for all families in NJ District 10. She is running for U.S. Congress to address the pressing challenges facing her community, including public safety, education, and healthcare access. Michelle is a tough-as-nails leader who will not waver in her commitment to fighting for justice, equity, and opportunity for all residents. I hold a bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Political background: In 2022, I ran for a seat on the Newark City Council, motivated by my passion for community service and a desire to effect meaningful change in my district. During the campaign, I focused on issues that directly impacted the lives of my constituents, including public safety, affordable housing, and equitable access to essential services. Despite my dedication and hard work, the race was competitive, and I faced a the “Line” which ultimately, I was defeated by. I staunchly believe the “line” needs To be “ABOLISHED!” While this outcome was a setback, it only fueled my determination to continue advocating for the needs of our community. Through my city council run, I gained invaluable experience in grassroots campaigning and community engagement. I strengthened connections with local residents, listening to their concerns and aspirations for a better future. This experience laid the groundwork for my current campaign for U.S. Congress, where I aim to bring an unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and opportunity to a larger platform, ensuring that the voices of my constituents are heard at the federal level. Reason for running: I am running for office to bring about meaningful change in our community by addressing critical issues such as public safety, education, and healthcare access. My commitment to advocating for the needs of all residents drives me to seek a platform where I can amplify their voices and work tirelessly for a brighter future for NJ District 10. Biggest issue: In this election, addressing public safety, homeland security, healthcare, and education is paramount. I am committed to creating comprehensive strategies that enhance community safety, ensure access to quality healthcare for all, and provide equitable education opportunities, empowering residents to thrive in a secure and supportive environment. On the federal government’s role in women’s reproductive health: The federal government should play a minimal role in regulating women’s reproductive health, allowing individuals to make personal decisions regarding birth control, abortion, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) without government interference. Reproductive health choices are deeply personal and should be guided by individual beliefs, values, and medical advice rather than federal mandates, ensuring that women have the autonomy to make the best decisions for their bodies and families. On the U.S. transition to clean energy: To transition the country to clean energy, the federal government should take the following specific steps: Incentivize Renewable Energy: Implement tax credits and grants for individuals and businesses that invest in solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources, making these options more accessible and affordable. Invest in Infrastructure: Allocate funding to develop and expand the necessary infrastructure for clean energy, including smart grids, charging stations for electric vehicles, and energy storage solutions to support renewable energy integration. Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks: Establish and enforce regulations that promote clean energy adoption while gradually phasing out subsidies for fossil fuels. This creates a level playing field and encourages investment in sustainable technologies. Promote Research and Development: Increase federal funding for research and development in clean energy technologies, including advancements in energy efficiency, carbon capture, and battery storage to drive innovation and lower costs. Support Job Training Programs: Invest in workforce development programs to train workers for jobs in the clean energy sector, ensuring that the transition creates sustainable employment opportunities for all. Encourage State and Local Initiatives: Provide resources and support to state and local governments to develop their clean energy plans, fostering a collaborative approach that leverages local expertise and initiatives. On ensuring free and fair elections and the transition of power: To ensure free and fair elections and a smooth transition of power, several additional measures should be considered: Strengthen Voting Rights: Implement comprehensive voting rights legislation that protects against discrimination and ensures equal access to the ballot for all citizens, including automatic voter registration and extended voting hours. Enhance Election Security: Invest in securing election infrastructure against cyber threats, including updating voting machines, conducting regular security audits, and providing training for election officials on best practices for safeguarding the electoral process. Promote Transparency: Establish clear regulations for campaign financing, requiring transparency in political donations and expenditures to reduce the influence of dark money and ensure voters know who is funding campaigns. Increase Voter Education: Launch nationwide campaigns to educate voters about the electoral process, their rights, and how to participate effectively. This can include information on registration, voting procedures, and understanding ballot measures. Encourage Bipartisan Cooperation: Foster a bipartisan approach to election administration and reform, bringing together leaders from different parties to collaboratively address concerns and establish best practices for conducting elections. Implement Clear Protocols for Transitions: Develop and formalize procedures for the peaceful transfer of power, ensuring that all parties understand their roles and responsibilities during the transition, and providing resources for incoming administrations to facilitate a smooth handover. On the U.S. role in foreign conflicts: The United States should play a proactive role in foreign conflicts like those in Ukraine and Israel/Gaza by providing humanitarian aid, diplomatic support, and strategic assistance to promote peace and stability. This includes helping allies defend their sovereignty against aggression while encouraging dialogue and negotiation to resolve conflicts. Additionally, the U.S. should work with international partners to address the root causes of these conflicts, supporting long-term solutions that promote security and development in the affected regions.

”

2022

Michelle Middleton did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Michelle Middleton campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House New Jersey District 10	Lost general	$0	N/A**
Grand total			$0	N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

See also

2024 Elections

What's on the ballot? U.S. President U.S. Congress U.S. Congress special elections State executives State legislatures State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards Election analysis hub

Government

Who represents me? U.S. Congress State executives State legislators State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards

Newsletters

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External links

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Candidate

U.S. House New Jersey District 10

Website

Instagram

Footnotes

[show]

New Jersey's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Cory Booker (D)

Andrew Kim (D)

Representatives

District 1

Donald Norcross (D)

District 2

Jeff Van Drew (R)

District 3

Herbert Conaway (D)

District 4

Chris Smith (R)

District 5

Josh Gottheimer (D)

District 6

Frank Pallone (D)

District 7

Thomas Kean (R)

District 8

Robert Menendez (D)

District 9

Nellie Pou (D)

District 10

LaMonica McIver (D)

District 11

Mikie Sherrill (D)

District 12

Bonnie Coleman (D)

Democratic Party (11)

Republican Party (3)