Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla had a poll going this past weekend to get favorable-unfavorable numbers in next month’s city council races, as well as the 8th District congressional race where he may be a candidate next year.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The poll sought to identify the favorability and unfavorability of Bhalla, U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8), and the majority of the city council candidates.
The favorability of President Joe Biden (D) and former President Donald Trump (R) was also tested.
3rd Ward Councilman Michael Russo is expected to win handily against first time candidate Ed Reep, a Republican data analyst, while 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos is unopposed.
Both are potential mayoral candidates in 2025 and voters were asked how they would rate their performances in office to date, along with the races where Bhalla has endorsed candidates: the 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th Wards.
A spokesman for Bhalla did not respond to an inquiry about the poll.
Ousting 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, another possible mayoral hopeful, and 6th Ward Councilwoman Jen Giattino is generally seen as a tall order, while 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen, a key Bhalla ally on the council, is expected to be in a competitive race against Liz Urtecho, though he remains favored.
The 1st Ward is more of a crapshoot since 1st Ward Councilman Mike DeFusco is not seeking a third term.
Bhalla has endorsed Rent Leveling Board Chair Rafi Cordova and his running against administration critic Paul Presinzano and former city Health and Human Services Director Leo Pellegrini, hypothetically leaving the door open for a December runoff.
Last week, it was revealed that the Hoboken mayor is “seriously considering running for Congress,” prompting Menendez to announce his re-election bid hours later, taking a shot at Bhalla in the process over a potential primary, as HCV first reported.
The following day, Bhalla said that U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Rob’s father, should resign over a three-count federal bribery indictment, a move that went against the Hudson County Democratic Organization’s position to remain neutral in the situation.
Bhalla, Fisher, and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, the only declared candidate for governor, are thus far the only elected leaders in Hudson County signaling that the elder Menendez should step down after being accused of taking bribes to peddle his influence.
Craig Guy, the Democratic nominee for Hudson County executive who is unopposed next month, has already come out in support for Rob Menendez, and while it wasn’t a formal endorsement, it indicates Bhalla would have to run off the line if he decides to challenge the incumbent.
In this conversation about Ravi Bhalla’s congressional aspirations, the reasons for supporting him are crystal clear – he’s the most progressive choice for our district.
Now, when it comes to incumbent Rob Menendez Jr., well, it seems like he was handed quite the head start in life, and it’s about time we question whether he truly earned it, especially given his father’s legal troubles.
And as for Brian Stack, the self-proclaimed political boss of Union City, he’s an aging dinosaur. He even makes Tiffanie Fisher look intelligent.
Ravi Bhalla, on the other hand, represents a fresh and authentic perspective, one that aligns with true progress and integrity. He’s the candidate who can lead us toward a brighter, more equitable future.
Thanks for your unbiased input VJ.
Bleepjay need job. Help him.
What is Ravi doing for all his Sanctuary City support? Looks like NYC is getting its fair share of border crashers. When is Ravi greeting the buses in Hoboken. Isn’t he a good leftist?
Ravi is so quiet now after making runs to help the border crashers at the airport.
Why is Sanctuary City Ravi so quiet now?
The Bhalla’s are very concerned with their own property values are reportedly adding several hundred thousand dollars in the expansion upgrades to their town home.
Do you really think they would do anything to possibly jeopardize their investments beyond some virtue signaling in the media ?
Have the buses routed to Hoboken and house the illegal aliens in the Brandt School. That is the progressive thing to do.
Then send more buses over to Little Emily’s building. These people loved, absolutely loved destroying American from within. Make them eat it.
“…2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, another possible mayoral hopeful,…”
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!!!!
I would vote for Fisher over Bhalla
Bhalla is a piece of shit. Get him out of town. But then get Emily out too.
Bhalla is not a true progressive. Before he pandered to unions he opposed them. He refused to come out against the ICE contract. He’s violated the first amendment rights of many. He pretends to support district schools yet won’t send his kids there. He is not actually a civil rights lawyer, he is just a bad municipal lawyer who has done maybe two civil rights cases. He consistently uses his office to help enrich his friends and family. He weaponizes race even more than Bob Sr. He’s really just a sham who bends to get power so he can use other people’s money to get ahead.
I vote on the basis of character and, sadly, Mayor Bhalla exhibits very little of it. As much as I would hate to see him elevated after doing such a poor job in Hoboken, Congress is a place for ideologues and speech makers- local government requires management and leadership skills, which he sorely lacks. Perhaps he should take a shot at it – though he will do it on the basis of outside money raised, rather than any relationships he may have within Hudson County. He is the product of a very broken system.
Ravi For Congress!
He will do a great job in DC.
I support it 1000%
Lets support Vijay, Freeman, Jabbour and Cohen got to DC with him as his congressional staffers!
Can’t think of a better way to rid Hoboken of Rats and Politicians who brought us the infestation!