Russo announces full Hoboken council slate for November 4th general election

Hoboken 3rd Ward Councilman Mike Russo, a mayoral candidate, has announced his full city council slate for the November 4th non-partisan municipal elections: Nicole Magaña, Pete Keeling, and Dean Murray at-large, with Ryan Cunningham running in the 6th Ward.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“Hoboken is the city we all love—and it’s out of love that we rise to address its challenges. Whether it’s unaffordable housing stock, e-bikes and rats rampant in our streets, circling blocks multiple times in search of parking, chaotic recreation processes, and more, there are plenty of issues that need to be addressed,” Russo said in a statement.

“Nicole, Pete, Dean, and Ryan are the leaders that Hoboken needs on the City Council. They share my vision for bold progress and solving our City’s problems with relentless positivity. They come from different backgrounds and are already strong leaders in their own right, advocating for their neighbors and raising awareness for the way our City operates. In addition, they’re free from the divisive political infighting that has dominated Hoboken life for the past several decades.”

Russo declared for mayor in February after he appeared poised to run for months, as HCV first reported, which is now a crowded field of five with Mayor Ravi Bhalla now the Democratic nominee for state Assembly in the 32nd Legislative District.

Also in the mayoral race are 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos, Councilwoman-at-Large Emily Jabbour, and former U.S. Treasury official Dini Ajmani.

Magaña is an 18-year Hoboken resident and an alumna of the University of Delaware and Arizona State University who also previously worked in corporate America and taught graduate-level public speaking before setting roots in the Mile Square City.

Now, as a licensed real estate professional at Boutique Realty, she has deep knowledge of the property landscape in Hoboken, and has seen the housing crisis up close. She is also a board member at Community Lifestyle.

“I love Hoboken, and that’s why I want to take the issues I see and turn them into action,” she began.

“Every day I live another story that makes me want to run for City Council: a client who breaks down crying because they have to leave the city they love, a small business owner navigating unexpected city fees and bureaucracy, a mother asking me where her child can play safely. A rat running in front of my dog while I get pulled along for the ride!”

Additionally, Keeling is a local entrepreneur and content marketing professional who has lived in Hoboken for the past 15 years.

A graduate of Emerson College with a degree in Cinematography and Film/TV Production, Pete is the Owner/Operator of Bodega Cards, a thriving sports-first trading card store in the Jersey City Heights.

“I used to have a small business in Hoboken—but had to close it due to the burdensome regulations, high costs, and lack of support from our city’s government,” he explained.

“I see Washington Street increasingly dominated by corporate chains, and it’s clear that the City Council needs a new voice that knows firsthand the value of innovation, less red tape, and meaningful advocacy for small business owners. In addition, I’ve already stepped into a leadership role in my neighborhood, just in virtue of the fact that I’m willing to listen to feedback from my neighbors and advocate for them.”

Rounding out Russo’s at-large slate is Murray, an attorney at the Hoboken-based Murray Law Firm, representing clients mostly in immigration and family law cases.

“Hoboken is a small city brimming with talented individuals, and although it’s right next to New York, I love that we’ve maintained our neighborhood feel. I’m determined to keep our community as comfortable and affordable as possible for residents,” he exclaimed.

“Unfortunately, we’re currently losing talented residents to nearby places like Brooklyn and Secaucus. The reasons are numerous: traffic, lack of parking, flooding, and housing prices —so I’m excited to run for City Council to tackle those major issues.”

Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Murray earned his Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law, and is admitted to practice in both New Jersey and New York.

He is also on the Boar of Trustees at The Sky Club, assists at St. Ann’s Church, and is a volunteer at the Hoboken Homeless Shelter.

The council-at-large field is relatively scarce at the moment, with former Councilman-at-Large Dave Mello and Liz Urtecho running with Fisher, while Alfredo Veloce declared his candidacy on Ramos’ ticket.

Finally, Cunningham, the SVP/Managing Director at Powerhouse VFX, is the first candidate to declare for the 6th Ward council seat to succeed the late Jen Giattino.

Cunningham oversees visual effects for major streaming and studio productions. His recent credits include Silo on Apple TV+, Netflix’s Wednesday and HBO’s Mare of Easttown.

A Hoboken resident for nearly a decade, Ryan lives in the 6th Ward with his wife and two young children.

His campaign is focused on improving pedestrian safety, regulating e-bike use, strengthening sanitation, protecting open space, and—most urgently—investing in Hoboken’s youth.

“I’m especially passionate about expanding access to youth programs. After-school options, recreation leagues, and arts and leadership opportunities are essential for building confidence, community, and opportunity for the next generation. We need to do more and do better for our kids,” he declared.

“I’ve led large teams and delivered under tight deadlines with millions of dollars on the line. I’ll bring that same focus and accountability to City Hall, not just for my family, but for everyone.”