Trenton, NJ – A Washington-based political action committee is taking aim at GOP strongholds in New Jersey by endorsing former USAID workers—fired after a federal shutdown—as Democratic challengers in key congressional races.
The latest endorsement from the Alliance 4 American Leadership (A4AL) went to Megan O’Rourke, a former USAID Senior Environment Officer who announced her campaign on August 8 for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. She’s challenging incumbent Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. in what is expected to be one of the state’s most competitive races.
O’Rourke becomes the second former USAID official endorsed by the PAC, following Bayly Winder’s campaign in NJ-2 against Rep. Jeff Van Drew. Both women were removed from their roles after the abrupt termination of USAID operations and are now campaigning on a shared message: restore U.S. global leadership and stand up for working families at home.
At the PAC’s launch event in Washington, O’Rourke recalled her work in Cambodia, describing the long-term impact of American-led development programs. “We did work that never shows up in a spreadsheet,” she said, emphasizing the human relationships built through USAID initiatives.
The Alliance 4 American Leadership was formed in response to the USAID shutdown and promotes international aid as a national security strategy. Its leadership has framed the abrupt firings as both a human and geopolitical failure.
“Megan and others were told to vacate their offices in 15 minutes,” said A4AL Executive Director Asher Moss. “That’s not just unfair—it’s a threat to the alliances they spent careers building.”
The PAC is already mobilizing in the district with 53 canvassers on the ground, according to A4AL’s New Jersey State Director Laurence Fine. The group aims to knock thousands of doors, make targeted calls, and build local support in the run-up to the 2026 midterms.
O’Rourke’s campaign is also expected to highlight the local role New Jersey plays in global aid delivery. Rutgers University, Johnson & Johnson, and several New Jersey family farms have provided food, medicine, and other resources to support foreign aid programs over the years.
Thomas Kean Jr., who won the seat in 2022, has not commented publicly on O’Rourke’s entry into the race or the PAC’s involvement. The 7th District has flipped between parties in recent election cycles and is likely to be one of the most closely watched House races in the country.
