While it comes as no surprise to astute political observers, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla formally announced his re-election bid last night, scheduling his campaign kickoff for June 24th.
“Nearly four years ago, Hoboken residents gave me the privilege of a lifetime, electing me as mayor of our great city,” Bhalla wrote on his campaign website.
“Since then we’ve come together, friends and neighbors moving our city forward in the midst of a global pandemic, creating durable quality of life improvements, while also keeping Hoboken on a sound long-term fiscal path.”
He made the announcement just before 7 p.m. last night, right before the council sparred and ultimately voted down a budget amendment that would’ve included a tax decrease, as well as reforms for the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
Bhalla, who has already secured two high-profile labor union endorsements, as well as the support of the local Police Superior Officers Association to name is few, is currently running unopposed though 1st Ward Councilman Mike DeFusco and 6th Ward Councilwoman Jen Giattino have left open the possibility of challenging him again.
While still a councilman-at-large, Bhalla won a six-way contest that included DeFusco and Giattino in November 2017. He had the support of outgoing Mayor Dawn Zimmer at the time, who unexpectedly decided not to seek a third term.
The non-partisan November 2nd municipal elections in Hoboken also feature all three council-at-large seats up for grabs.
Last time around, Bhalla running mates Jim Doyle and Emily Jabbour, along with Vanessa Falco – who was a part of Team DeFusco – were victorious.