TRENTON, NJ — April 9, 2026 — The Squire Servance for Congress campaign announced today that it is pursuing legal action following a decision by Middlesex County Clerk Nancy Pinkin to reject its proposed ballot slogan, “Middlesex County Democrats for Change,” for the 2026 Democratic Primary Election in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District.

The campaign’s legal filing makes clear that the Clerk’s action was not only unjustified, but unlawful. Under New Jersey election law, congressional candidates file with the Secretary of State, who alone has authority to evaluate and reject congressional ballot slogans. In this case, the Secretary of State did not reject Servance’s slogan. The Middlesex County Clerk nonetheless intervened and attempted to do so, exceeding her statutory authority.

“This is not just a disagreement over a slogan. It’s about fairness and whether voters get a real choice,” said Servance. “The law is clear on who has authority here, and it is not the County Clerk.”

“I’m running to bring new leadership and real solutions to this district, not to get pulled into the vestiges of county line politics,” Servance continued. “I would much rather be out knocking doors and talking with voters about lowering costs, improving access to healthcare, and creating real economic opportunity. Instead, I’m being forced to deal with a bureaucratic decision that limits voters’ ability to choose change.”

The Clerk’s lack of authority alone should end this matter. But even beyond that, the campaign’s filing makes clear there is no basis for the rejection. The law permits a slogan to be denied only if it is so substantially similar to another that voters would be misled into thinking candidates are running together. Servance’s slogan is plainly distinct from “Middlesex County Democratic Organization,” which denotes party-endorsed candidates.

The Clerk provided no substantive explanation for the decision, acted after input from a political organization without giving Servance any opportunity to respond, and imposed an accelerated deadline that could leave the campaign without any slogan at all.

“This process lacked transparency, fairness, and basic due process,” Servance said. “Voters deserve a fair process, not decisions made behind closed doors.”

The filing also highlights that similar slogans have been permitted in other counties and prior elections without any finding of voter confusion. Allowing one group to claim exclusive use of common terms like “Democrats” and a county name would set a troubling precedent and limit candidates’ ability to communicate with voters.

To prevent immediate harm, the campaign is seeking expedited court review and temporary relief to ensure that ballots are not printed or distributed without the requested slogan while the case is decided.

Servance emphasized that the slogan reflects what he is hearing directly from voters.

“We have knocked on thousands of doors and spoken with tens of thousands of voters across this district. The message is consistent. Families are feeling squeezed by rising costs and want leadership focused on results. ‘Democrats for Change’ reflects that reality.”

“When a campaign builds real momentum, it means the message is resonating. And right now, voters are ready for change.”

“This campaign is about fairness and whether voters have a real choice. I’m going to keep fighting to ensure every voter in this district can hear the message and make their own decision.”

Media Contact:
Squire Servance for Congress
Name: Jermaine James, Campaign Manager

Email: jermaine@squireservance.com
Phone: 862-858-0002
Website: squireservance.com

About Squire Servance for Congress
Squire Servance is a Democrat running for Congress in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District. A neuroscientist, attorney, and entrepreneur, he has built companies focused on developing life-saving medicines and creating jobs. His campaign is focused on lowering costs, expanding access to healthcare, and creating economic opportunity for working families.

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