'Let's go Brandon' could be on NJ ballot

Brandon Brown, the inspiration for an anti-Joe Biden chant, may make it onto the ballot in New Jersey, sort of.

A perennial political candidate has filed a petition to run in the Republican primary in New Jersey's 4th congressional district using the line "Let's Go Brand*n - FJB."

Robert Shapiro submitted his petition to run against incumbent Chris Smith and four other Republican candidates in a district that has been heavily gerrymandered as part of the recent redistricting. None of the candidates is considered a significant threat to Smith, who is seeking his 22nd term.

New Jersey Globe was the first to report that Shapiro just barely qualified, with 203 petition signatures. 200 valid signatures are required to run. The slim margin of signatures could trigger a challenge to try and get Shaprio's petition invalidated.

It is, however, Shapiro's slogan that is likely to draw the most attention.

Ultimately, it will be up to New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way to decide if the candidates slogan will be rejected. Given the not so subtle reference to foul language, it is hard to believe Sec. Way will not strike it from the ballot.

"Let's go Brandon" has become a rallying cry for many anti-Biden Americans. It's origin was at a race in 2021 at Talladega Superspeedway. During an interview with winning driver Brandon Brown, fans began chanting "F Joe Biden." The reporter conducting the interview misinterpreted the chant, believing she was hearing "Let's go Brandon."

Facebook/Brandon Brown

New Jersey state election law requires individuals whose name would be included in any slogan or ballot line to grant written permission for the name to be used.
Eric Scott is the senior political director and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at eric.scott@townsquaremedia.com

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