Amy Kennedy

Amy Kennedy (née Savell; born November 20, 1978) is an American educator, mental health advocate, and former political candidate from New Jersey. She was the Democratic Party nominee in the 2020 United States House of Representatives election for New Jersey's 2nd congressional district, but was defeated by incumbent Jeff Van Drew.

Early life and education

Amy Savell was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She was raised in Pleasantville and Absecon, New Jersey. Her parents, Leni and Jerry Savell, were both involved in education; her father also served as a freeholder for Atlantic County and held positions as a city council member in Absecon and Pleasantville. She graduated from Holy Spirit High School in 1997.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Pennsylvania State University and subsequently obtained a Master of Science degree in environmental education from Nova Southeastern University.

Career

Kennedy's professional career includes teaching middle-school history at Northfield Community Schools. Later, she became the education director of the Kennedy Forum, a mental health advocacy organization founded by her husband, Patrick J. Kennedy.

Politics

In the 2020 electoral cycle, Kennedy sought the Democratic nomination for New Jersey's 2nd congressional district. On July 7, 2020, she won the primary election, defeating professor Brigid Callahan Harrison and former congressional aide Will Cunningham. Her victory was characterized as an "upset" because Harrison had received support from George Norcross, a prominent figure in New Jersey politics. As of July 9, 2020, vote counts indicated Kennedy led in all eight counties within the district.

In the general election, Kennedy challenged the incumbent, Jeff Van Drew, who had been elected as a Democrat but switched parties. She ran as an anti-establishment candidate aligned with grassroots activists, with endorsements from Martin Luther King III, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. Her campaign emphasized issues related to mental health and education, and she supported the expansion of the Affordable Care Act. Kennedy raised a total of $1.4 million, including a $500,000 personal loan, for her primary campaign.

On August 3, 2020, Kennedy received the endorsement of former President Barack Obama. Despite her efforts, she was defeated by Van Drew in the November general election.

Personal life

Kennedy met Mark Petitgout during her college years, and they were married in 2003. Mark Petitgout played football at Pennsylvania State University and is the brother of former NFL offensive tackle Luke Petitgout. The couple resided in Linwood, New Jersey, and had one daughter before divorcing in early 2010.

In 2010, Kennedy met former U.S. Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy at a mental health forum in Atlantic City. They married in July 2011 at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, with Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer officiating. The Kennedys reside in Brigantine, New Jersey, with their five children.