With Jersey City Ward E Councilwoman Candice Osborne opting out of her re-election bid earlier this week, attorney Rebecca Symes has announced she will be entering the crowded race.
“Jersey City has an opportunity over the next few years to establish itself as a national model for government innovation and progressive values, and that is why I’m so excited to announce that I’m running for City Council,” Symes said in a Facebook video.
“My number one goal if elected is to ensure that all residents benefit from the prosperity that is happening in our city, and I am excited for the chance to represent this amazing community and to spend the coming months meeting neighbors and sharing a positive vision for our future.”
Symes, a former aide to U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), has been deeply involved in community organizations and causes as a past president of the Harsimus Cove Neighborhood Association, trustee at the Jersey City Free Public Library, Board Secretary at The Waterfront Project, advisory trustee at Liberty Science Center and a New Leaders Council fellow.
Additionally, she holds a Juris Doctorate Degree from the Catholic University of America and a Bachelor’s Degree from Ithaca College.
After law school, she worked at Housing Conservation Coordinators, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting affordable housing.
Rumored to be the frontrunner to replace Osborne on Mayor Steven Fulop’s re-election ticket, Symes enters an already crowded field.
Funeral home director Nick Grillo, LGBTQ activist Michael Billy, Evict Trump-Kushner activist James Solomon and Jake Hudnut, Bill Matsikoudis’ running mate, have all previously declared their candidacy for the November 7 municipal election.
