Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, a Democratic candidate for governor, has rolled out three new state Assembly hopefuls, including one who joined a lawsuit spearheaded by U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-3) to abolish county lines.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Our campaign is about breaking free from the grip of political machines and empowering real leaders who prioritize the needs of New Jersey’s communities over political agendas,” Fulop said in a statement.
“These candidates embody the change we need—people who fight for progress and who see every barrier as an opportunity to create meaningful solutions. By supporting leaders who respond to the people, not the political bosses, we’re ensuring that New Jersey voters have a true choice and a path forward.”
Carolyn Rush, running in the 1st Legislative District, built a 35-year career as an engineer in the Intelligent Transportation and Defense industries, contributing to innovations like EZPass and the Aegis Program, which ensured the safety of those who serve our country.
She also co-chaired the Eileen Frank ALS Foundation, raising over $1 million for research, and founded the Helping Hand Housing Project to support unhoused individuals and veterans.
Rush ran challenged U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-2) in 2022 and 2024, running off the line the first time, and lost handily both times, however, she was a plaintiff in a lawsuit that get rid of the line for the June 4th, 2024 primary.
Her running mate will be Brandon Saffold, a fourth-generation Coast Guard veteran and current student at Princeton University.
After completing his service, Saffold began his educational journey at St. Petersburg College before transferring to Princeton University in 2022, where he became the first Coast Guard veteran transfer student in the school’s history.
Finally, Rohit Dave will be running in the 27th Legislative District, where incumbents Rosy Bagolie, also the East Newark Superintendent of Schools, and Alixon Collazos-Gill, the wife of political strategist Brendan Gill, are seeking re-election.
A Millburn resident, Dave leads strategic initiatives at Square and Cash App to provide better financial access to millions of businesses and individuals across the country.
As a former attorney, Dave is committed to public service, having served at The White House as an intern at the Office of Science and Technology Policy and as a volunteer at the Jersey City Employment and Training Program.
Fulop has now announced 34 state Assembly candidates running on his slate, along with four county commissioner candidates.
The June 3rd Democratic primary pits Fulop against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, former Senate President Steve Sweeney, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, as well as U.S. Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-5) and Mikie Sherrill (D-11).