Hoboken 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen is endorsing Mayor Ravi Bhalla for Congress in the 8th District in another predictable turn of events from the Mile Square City ahead of the June 4th primary.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Ravi has effectively addressed the most important issues affecting our community, including flood resiliency infrastructure, climate change, parks and green spaces —as well as Vision Zero progress for pedestrian safety,” Cohen said in a statement.
”I have seen it firsthand — as a leader of the Hoboken Democratic Party, as an engaged community leader, and as a councilman. I know he will bring that same results-oriented, innovative approach and dedication to taking on the most important challenges to our nation’s capital. I enthusiastically endorse Mayor Ravi Bhalla to represent New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District.”
The battle lines in Hoboken are pretty clearly drawn for this congressional contest, with Cohen receiving Bhalla’s backing in 2019 and 2023.
Councilman-at-Large Joe Quintero, who ran with the mayor in 2021 and was the first to express interest in his bid for Congress, also gave a formal declaration of support last month.
Conversely, 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher and 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos, two potential mayoral candidates for 2025 who have been opponents of Bhalla on the council, have backed U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8) for a second term.
“I am pleased to have Councilman Phil Cohen’s endorsement. Phil’s leadership on the City Council has been essential to so many of our accomplishments in Hoboken. He will be a tremendous advocate in Hoboken and throughout the 8th district for my Congressional candidacy,” Bhalla added.
The Democratic primary in New Jersey is on June 4th and the 8th District congressional race also features first time candidate Kyle Jasey.
This is the big time endorsement Ravi needs to win this thing! Total game changer. I’ve been wondering which way Phil would go.
Phil was just happy to be asked a question, and gave the first answer that popped into his head. He may ask for a do over in another week or so.