Three of Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon’s city council running mates in his pursuit for mayor are endorsing Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and activist Katie Brennan for state Assembly in the 32nd Legislative District.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“This campaign is about more than any one election. This is the start of a new era in Hudson County, where the people have the power and not the political machines,” Ward E council candidate Eleana Little said in a statement.
“Katie and Ravi are the only Assembly candidates who owe the party bosses nothing. They’re independent, have strong records, and they deeply understand the issues that matter most.”
Bhalla and Brennan are in a competitive June 10th primary that includes four other Democratic candidates.
Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez and Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh, who are running on Mayor Steven Fulop’s gubernatorial ticket, while Jennie Pu and Crystal Fonseca have the backing of the Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO).
“People across Jersey City know Katie because she’s been in the trenches with us, fighting for more affordable housing, better transit, and speaking up when others wouldn’t. She shows up, people trust her, and she knows how to win,” noted council-at-large candidate Michael Griffin.
“Mayor Bhalla has shown us time and time again that he’s not afraid to take on the establishment to deliver real results. He’s delivered on affordable housing, parks and open space, and turned Hoboken into a national leader for pedestrian safety. We need fighters like Ravi and Katie who aren’t afraid to speak truth to power.”
Also joining the endorsement is Ward D council candidate Veronica Akaezuwa, who is running to succeed Saleh, though he could theoretically jump back into the non-partisan November 4th council races if the primary does not work out for him.
“You couldn’t ask for two better candidates to meet this current moment. Katie has the housing expertise we need to tackle the housing crisis,” she noted.
“Mayor Bhalla has a record in Hoboken that speaks for itself on housing, climate change, and standing up to the Trump administration. Katie and Ravi understand the policies we need, and they have the courage to stand up for what’s right.”
For the time being, Solomon has not endorsed anyone for Assembly yet in either the 31st Legislative District or LD-32 – the two districts that represent Jersey City.
But another one of his political allies, Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore – who has traded endorsements with the downtown councilman – also recently backed Bhalla and Brennan for Assembly.