The Hoboken Democratic Committee voted last night to endorse U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8) for re-election at last night’s meeting, two years after backing then-Mayor Ravi Bhalla to unseat him.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Congressman Menendez has been a strong partner for Hoboken and a consistent fighter for Democratic values,” HDC Chair Joe Quintero, also a councilman at-large, said in a statement.
“At a time when Donald Trump, MAGA extremists, and far-right Republicans continue attacking our democratic institutions, immigrant communities, and fundamental rights, Rob has stood up and fought back.”
While Quintero was not chair yet, both he, in his capacity as a city councilman, and the HDC backed Bhalla, now a state assemblyman (D-32), to unseat Menendez in June 2024, both as HCV first reported.
Mayor Emily Jabbour, who supported Bhalla when she was a councilwoman at-large, is also in Menendez’s corner this time around.
Menendez won the 2024 primary by about 15 points and now looks to take out another challenge from the left in former Jersey City Board of Education President Mussab Ali on June 2nd.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of the Hoboken Democratic Committee. I have worked closely with Mayor Jabbour and the Hoboken Council to deliver results for residents across Hoboken,” the congressman said in a statement.
“From bringing back millions in federal funding for climate resiliency, water infrastructure, and other critical projects, to protecting our neighbors from the Trump Administration, I will never back down when it comes to fighting for Hoboken residents. I look forward to a successful reelection on June 2nd with the support of Hoboken voters.”
Bhalla has not endorsed in the race, though he decided to speak out on Monday after a super PAC supporting Menendez used his image without permission.