Da'shone Hughey Launches Independent Campaign for NJ-8

Da'shone Hughey has officially announced his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in New Jersey's 8th Congressional District, launching a campaign centered on community empowerment, economic opportunity, educational advancement, and restoring trust in government. Running under the banner "We The People," Hughey calls for a new era of leadership that puts people before politics. With a background as an entrepreneur, educator, author, and technology innovator, he brings international experience from Latin America, Africa, and Israel, focusing on workforce displacement, educational inequity, AI readiness, and expanded economic access. His platform includes expanding economic opportunity, supporting small business growth, strengthening workforce development, modernizing education, investing in technology, and increasing government transparency. At the heart of his campaign is the belief that education and workforce development are essential to long-term prosperity, highlighted by his book PhD Ready by 18, which challenges traditional academic pathways to accelerate learning and career readiness.

Hughey's campaign emphasizes building systems that deliver solutions rather than just identifying problems. He aims to create stronger connections between education, workforce training, and employment opportunities while encouraging innovation and community investment. His vision includes lowering the cost of living, expanding affordable housing, strengthening transportation, creating high-paying jobs, and advancing education through AI City Robotics Queriosity Learning Centers. Hughey plans to engage residents across Essex, Hudson, and Union Counties through community outreach, listening sessions, town halls, and grassroots efforts. He states, "Our campaign is built on a simple principle: We The People. The Government belongs to the people, and together we can ensure it works for the people once again."

Supporters describe Hughey's candidacy as a fresh, forward-thinking approach to public service, combining practical solutions with a long-term vision for growth. The campaign will focus on a districtwide Listening Tour to directly understand residents' challenges and shape solutions based on community input. Hughey's independent run under the "WE THE PEOPLE" slogan seeks to restore trust in government and deliver measurable results for working families in New Jersey's 8th Congressional District.