About Gabe Franco

Gabe Franco's journey is a testament to hard work, community, and a belief in the greater good. His story begins in Lakewood, NJ, raised by immigrant parents. Gabe's mother worked as a nurse's aid, and his father, started a small local trucking company. Later in life, Gabe lived with his stepfather, a state policeman who helped shape his upbringing. Their family life was marked by periods of stability and success, but also years of hardship and poverty. Growing up in these extremes taught Gabe the values of resilience and commitment, shaping his path to public service.

After high school, Gabe began a small computer repair and recycling company, later joining an investment firm in an IT management role. He later put himself through Ocean County Community College as a carpenter, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and earned his Bachelor's Degree from Seton Hall University. Along the way, he served as a youth pastor and overseas humanitarian aid missionary witnessing true poverty in places like Haiti and the Amazon Rainforests of Peru.
 

Gabe's commitment to education continued at Valparaiso University School of Law, where he was awarded a full Jurist Scholarship for his philanthropy and past academic achievement. Upon graduation, he entered the business world, working on projects across the country and overseas running one of a prominent New Jersey businessman's companies. Four years later, Gabe, wanting to return to helping the disadvantaged resigned to take the bar exam and apply for the US Army Judge Advocate General Corps. While never selected for service, He did go on to become a not for profit attorney becoming General Counsel of Friends in Action Inc. and helping to develop a nationally recognized workforce development program, and uplifting at-risk communities. He would later go on to work for Morgan Stanley and in 2018, became Chief Legal Officer for LatinoXRadio*, promoting Latino arts and culture. Presently, Gabe is a civil servant working for the State of New Jersey. 

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Gabe's involvement in politics began with a recognition about the corrosive influence of money in politics. Volunteering with organizations like Represent.US* and WolfPAC, he joined Senator Bernie Sanders' voter protection legal team to represent Democrats and Republicans alike in court if they faced issues voting. 

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His other philanthropic work, included helping to found Jeff's Camp – A Home For Heroes, a Veterans support organization* serving as President of Great Bay Democrats and he was a long standing member of the Little Egg Harbor Township's Environmental Commission*.  Other volunteerism has included the Salvation Army*, St. Theresa's Food Pantry*, the National Organization for Women*, New Jersey Organizing Project*, League of Conservation Voters, Little Egg Harbor United* and many other causes.​

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Gabe Franco is not just a believer in community and equality of opportunity; he has lived these values every day. His life's work has been shaped by the idea that through smart work, empathy, and collaboration, we can create a better world for all of us. Now, Gabe is ready to take his experience, passion, and dedication to the New Jersey State Senate, committed to fighting for New Jersey Families and American values.

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Gabe lives in New Jersey with his wife, Dimple, and their pug and Jack Russell mis, Russell. When he's not working, Gabe enjoys tinkering with electronics and classic cars, piano composition, and adventure travel with his family. ​

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*Asterisks denote registered 501(c)(3) organizations, which are unable to endorse candidates. Their inclusion in this biography is factual and not intended to imply endorsement.