Hoboken Council members Emily Jabbour and Jim Doyle are backing Mayor Ravi Bhalla for Congress in the 8th District, making it an even four-four split for the challenger and the incumbent in the Mile Square City.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Ravi has been able to move Hoboken forward with innovative ideas and progressive values, and because of these successes and his effective leadership even ran uncontested for Hoboken mayor in 2021,” Jabbour said in a statement.
“Now more than ever we need a representative in Congress with the ability to implement real, practical, and impactful changes in the face of challenge and dysfunction. I urge 8th Congressional district voters to join me in supporting Ravi Bhalla for Congress.”
Jabbour and Doyle join 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen and Councilman-at-Large Joe Quintero, also the Hoboken Democratic Committee chair, in endorsing Bhalla. They have all either ran on Bhalla’s ticket or been endorsed by him in past elections.
“Having worked closely with Ravi, first as a city council colleague and then in his capacity as mayor, I know first-hand that he is an effective and innovative leader who knows how to get things done,” added Doyle.
“Under his leadership, Hoboken has led the way on pedestrian safety and curbing climate change, receiving national recognition for its initiatives in these areas. As our Congressman, Ravi will fight to restore women’s reproductive rights, work to strengthen our democracy, and advocate for affordable housing. I strongly support his candidacy.”
Bhalla thanked Jabbour and Doyle for their advocacy on the council as well as for their endorsements, which he called “a boost for my candidacy.”
Conversely, U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez has the support of 1st Ward Councilman Paul Presinzano, 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, 3rd Ward Councilman Mike Russo, and 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos.
The only Hoboken council member who has not endorsed is Council President Jen Giattino, who represents the 6th Ward, though she attended a Town Hall for Menendez last month.
The primary for the 8th District congressional race is on June 4th, which also features a third Democrat in the race, Kyle Jasey.