32BJ SEIU, the largest property services union in the country, has made five endorsements in the three Hudson County legislative districts, backing three candidates backed by the county Democrats, one independent, and one running with Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Our members make up the backbone of the working class in New Jersey. They clean, secure, protect and maintain our buildings, airports, and transit hubs. The candidates we are endorsing reflect our commitment to build political power for working people and the candidates’ commitment to protecting and advancing the lives of working families in New Jersey,” 32BJ VP and New Jersey State Director Ana Maria Hill said in a statement.
“Now more than ever, it is vital that our state and local elected officials prioritize the interests of working people in face of the Trump administration’s attacks on affordability and the division he and his administration seek to sow in our communities. 32BJ is ready and energized to get out the vote for these candidates starting today.”
In the 31st Legislative District, the union is going with Assemblyman Will Sampson and Hudson County Commissioner Jerry Walker (D-3), who are on the Hudson County Democratic Organization’s (HCDO) ticket.
They are in a head-to-head matchup with Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato and Bayonne 2nd Ward Councilwoman Jackie Weimmer, who are running on Fulop’s “Democrats for Change” gubernatorial slate.
Then in the 32nd Legislative District, 32BJ is supporting Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, who is running independently with Jersey City activist Katie Brennan, and Assemblyman Jessica Ramirez, who is partnering with Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh on Team Fulop.
The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters also endorsed Bhalla and Ramirez, who some politicos believe are currently the leading candidates in the field, which also includes Jennie Pu and Crystal Fonseca on the HCDO’s ticket.
“I am honored to have the support of 32BJ SEIU. Their members—janitors, security officers, airport workers, and other essential personnel—are the backbone of our communities,” Ramirez said in a statement.
“Together, we have fought for fair wages, safe working conditions, and dignified housing. This endorsement reflects our shared vision for a more just and equitable New Jersey.”
Bhalla also lauded the newly earned labor support ahead of the competitive primary race.
“Over the past seven years, Hoboken has led the way in enacting some of the strongest standards in the state for service workers. These essential workers labor tirelessly—often without recognition—to keep our cities running, and I have been proud to stand alongside them in their continued fight for fair wages and benefits,” he noted.
“I’m incredibly honored to have the support of my friends at 32BJ. In the Assembly, I look forward to continuing to fight with them to improve the lives of working people in Jersey City, Hoboken and throughout New Jersey.”
Finally, 32BJ only endorsed one candidate in the 33rd Legislative District, Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez. He is running alongside Larry Wainstein with the HCDO’s support against Tony Hector and Frank Alonso, also part of the “Democrats for Change.”
In total, the labor union rolled out endorsements for 61 candidates statewide ahead of the June 10th primary in New Jersey.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with a comment from Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez and then later with a comment from Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla.
