Breaking The Line
Carolyn played a pivotal role in the lawsuit that successfully challenged New Jersey's unconstitutional county party line, a system that had long concentrated power in the hands of a small political elite. Her efforts helped dismantle this entrenched practice, giving voters more power and making elections fairer for all. Carolyn’s dedication to justice ensured that the voices of everyday citizens could be heard, fostering a political landscape that is more transparent, equitable, and accountable to the people of New Jersey.
MEET CAROLYN
An Experienced Leader, Compassionate Advocate, and Dedicated Problem-Solver
Carolyn Rush, the sixth of seven children born to a working-class New Jersey family, understands the power of shared sacrifice and cooperation. Growing up in a large family, Carolyn learned early on the importance of teamwork, faith, tolerance, and respect for others—values her parents instilled in her from a young age. Now a year-round resident of Sea Isle City, NJ, Carolyn is a proud mother of five children, one of whom has tragically passed, and a grandmother to seven.
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A Career Dedicated to Problem-Solving
After earning her degree in Computer Science from Montclair State University, Carolyn embarked on a 35-year career as an engineer. She worked in both the Intelligent Transportation Industry, where she contributed to innovations like EZPass, and the Defense Industry, where she focused on protecting those in uniform. Over the years, she held multiple management positions, mastering the art of bringing together diverse teams to solve complex problems. Carolyn has a knack for fostering collaboration among her colleagues, encouraging open-mindedness, and guiding teams to achieve the best solutions for their customers.​
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A Lifelong Commitment to Community Service
Community service has always been a cornerstone of Carolyn’s life. She has coached youth sports, volunteered in her children’s schools, and been an active member of her parish. As co-chair of the Eileen Frank ALS Foundation, Carolyn helped raise over a million dollars to fund ALS research, demonstrating her passion for helping those in need. Her commitment to her community has only deepened with time, as she continually seeks ways to give back.
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From Engineer to Advocate: A New Mission
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As her children grew and began their own lives, Carolyn felt a calling to address the inequities she saw around her. She retired from engineering to pursue a new path of service, running for Congress in hopes of making change from within the government. Though that campaign did not end in victory, Carolyn did not waver. Inspired by the needs of local constituents, she founded the Helping Hand Housing Project, a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of the most vulnerable members of her community, including those who have served our country. Her work focuses on providing assistance to unhoused individuals, many of whom are veterans, and helping them find a path to stability.
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A Time to Act: Driven by Personal Loss and Passion for Change
Carolyn's resolve to make a difference was solidified by personal tragedy. After losing her sister, Kim, to pancreatic cancer, and her beloved son, Ryan, to complications from diabetes, she understands that time is precious and not to be taken for granted. These losses have only fueled her determination to create a better future for her community. Carolyn believes that now, more than ever, is the time to take meaningful action to address the challenges facing South Jersey and beyond.