Progressive organizer Adrian Ghainda is dropping his second bid for Hudson County commissioner in the 2nd District where he would have rematched incumbent Bill O’Dea, who won by a margin of about 68-32 in 2023.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Three years ago, we launched our first campaign. We challenged the status quo and sent shockwaves to the political world with the results we earned. Since then, we’ve worked in many coalitions with the goal of striving for positive political change in Jersey City and Hudson County,” Ghainda said in a statement this afternoon.
“In September, we announced our intention to run for commissioner, with the goal of focusing on the policies of what’s possible. Today, I’ve made the difficult decision to suspend our campaign.”
Ghainda recently worked as the political director of the successful state Assembly Democratic primary campaign of Katie Brennan and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla in the 32nd Legislative District.
He also backed Ward E Councilman James Solomon for mayor, who bested former Gov. Jim McGreevey by about a 2-1 margin in the non-partisan December 2nd runoff.
While Ghainda did not mention O’Dea, his recent alliance with the mayor-elect, the veteran county commissioner is a co-chair of Solomon’s transition team, likely factored into his decision.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank my family, friends, neighbors, and volunteers who believed in our vision. It’s because of you all that I can meet this moment with the clarity needed to put the movement first and focus our efforts on other necessary endeavors,” he Ghainda added.
“This isn’t the end of our journey, just a pause in this chapter. While it wasn’t our time, I’m looking forward to the many ways I can continue to connect with neighbors and continue creating positive political change.”
All nine Hudson County commissioner seats are on the line in the June 2nd Democratic primary, where Solomon is expected to endorse several candidates including O’Dea.
