Former NFL Star’s Wife Challenges Long-Time Democratic Incumbent
Tiffany Burress, the wife of NFL legend Plaxico Burress, is running to unseat a Democrat in a district that has been under Democratic control for decades. The current representative of NJ-09 is Democrat Nellie Powe, who secured her position in 2024 by a narrow margin of less than 5%.
“Congresswoman Nellie Powe has led a charmed life,” Burress remarked during her campaign. The district has been held by Democrats since the early 1980s, but Burress, a Pittsburgh native, is undeterred. Interestingly, it’s also where her husband, Plaxico, began his NFL career with the Steelers.
Plaxico is known for catching the game-winning touchdown from quarterback Eli Manning during the New York Giants’ Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots in 2008. This iconic moment remains a talking point for the couple, reflecting on his time in the league.
Aside from being a football figure, Tiffany Burress is also an accomplished professional. She serves on the Workers’ Compensation Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association and is a licensed attorney, having competed as a collegiate athlete at Penn State University. She’s eyeing influential locations, such as MetLife Stadium, to connect with voters.
Burress critiques Powe’s long-standing role in government, stating, “While doors have opened for her, I believe in breaking down barriers too.” She acknowledges Powe’s experience but emphasizes her own willingness to challenge anyone, including fellow Republicans, when necessary.
However, another Republican candidate, Rosie Pino, is making headlines by arguing that he is the most reliable choice in this race. Pino’s campaign claims, “Supporting an unknown candidate who recently switched parties is damaging for the Republican community.” This sentiment really highlights the competition within the party itself.
Notably, the Democratic Party’s dominance in the district has been wavering over the years. In 2012, they clinched victory with 74% of the vote, maintaining a stronghold until 2020, when that number fell to 65.8% with the passing of Bill Pascrell, who previously held the seat. In subsequent elections, Powe won with just over 50% in 2024, signaling potential shifts in voter sentiment.
Interestingly, though this district has historically favored Democratic candidates in federal elections, in 2024, Trump managed to edge out a narrow victory, garnering 49% of the vote compared to 48% for his opponent.
The state senate remains a blue majority, but with trends indicating declining support for Democrats in NJ-09, Tiffany Burress’s campaign could see more traction than anticipated.
