Tracy Sims will run for Jersey City’s Ward A city council seat on Mussab Ali’s slate, with previously announced candidate Ira Guilford switching to a council-at-large run.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Tracy Sims has done the work. He’s shown up for Ward A as a public servant, coach, caregiver, and advocate. His life is rooted in service, and he brings the kind of leadership City Hall needs,” Ali said in a statement.
Sims is a former Jersey City Board of Education employee with 16 years of service, a longtime youth coach, and a Medicare advisor who has spent the past decade helping seniors navigate complex healthcare systems.
He is also a product of Public School No. 34 and Dickinson High School.
“I’m not a politician. I’m a neighbor who’s been fighting for this community my whole life. Ward A deserves clean streets, safe parks, and real investment in our kids. I’m running to make sure City Hall finally listens,” Sims exclaimed.
Guilford was announced as Ali’s Ward A council candidate in May and subsequent questions were raised about his eligibility since he voted in Essex County last November, both as HCV first reported.
Now, he will be seeking a council-at-large seat on Team Ali, throwing his full support behind Sims for the non-partisan November 4th municipal elections.
“Tracy is exactly the kind of leader Ward A needs. He’s earned the community’s trust through decades of real service, actually in the trenches with the people,” Guilford exclaimed.
“We don’t need ‘watchtower ward lords.’ We need leaders who are present, engaged, and who truly understand the unique needs of our neighborhoods.”
Ali’s ticket also includes Shabab Khan running in Ward C, Patrick Ambrossi in Ward D, Stacey Lawrence in Ward E, and Tina Nalls for council-at-large.
Meanwhile, the Ward A council race currently has incumbent Denise Ridley seeking re-election on Ward E Councilman James Solomon’s ticket, Pam Johnson running with Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), and Brandi Warren teaming up with former Gov. Jim McGreevey.