A one-time electrician and former labor leader in southern New Jersey, Norcross has had a meteoric rise in politics, from freshman state legislator to state senator and then member of Congress in less than four years. He has championed a $15 an hour minimum wage, equal pay for women, and support for community colleges, which he says can address college affordability by offering students a less expensive stepping stone to a four-year degree. Norcross’ appeal to voters in blue collar Camden, the heart of his district across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, and his willingness to challenge party leaders on some economic issues have boosted his support at the ballot box.

Learn what Donald Norcross says about finding common ground