The Hoboken Democratic Committee bucked their county counterparts by endorsing Mayor Ravi Bhalla in the 8th District congressional race and U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-3) for Senate, with Chair Rachel Hodes blasting the Hudson County Democrats in her resignation.
Kim received 40 votes, roughly 83 percent, First Lady Tammy Murphy and Dr. Patricia Campos-Medina received three each (six percent), and scandal-plagued U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) received one (two percent).
On his home turf, Bhalla garnered 35 votes, about 73 percent, compared to 12 votes, or 25 percent, for U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8), and one (two percent) for Kyle Jasey.
“Congratulations to both Mayor Bhalla and Congressman Kim. The Hoboken Democratic Committee has once again affirmed their commitment to fair elections and a rejection of the undemocratic process undertaken by the HCDO. The committee executed a transparent and equitable process in which members were each given the same opportunity to have their voice heard,” Hodes said in a statement.
“Today’s outcome is a product of our years-long fight for transparency and equity in the political process. The results of tonight’s meeting overwhelmingly demonstrate the will of our committee and the prospect that democracy can be alive and well in Hudson County.”
The HDC said they “felt disenfranchised” by the HCDO endorsed Murphy in November and Menendez the following month since their opinion was never solicited, so they felt it was important to do their own vote.
“It’s an honor to have the support of the Hoboken Democratic Committee in this fight to restore integrity and deliver for working families. Democrats across Hudson County and New Jersey see that there’s a better way, and I know we can deliver change with their support, and the support of grassroots Democrats across our state,” Kim said.
“I’m so proud to have earned the endorsement of the Hoboken Democratic Committee tonight. My time in public service began as Democratic Committeeman knocking on doors 16 years ago and since then, it has been the privilege of a lifetime to represent this community – first on the City Council and for the last 6 years as mayor,” Bhalla added.
Kim and Bhalla were part of a community meeting in Downtown Jersey City hosted by Ward E Councilman James Solomon last month and could bracket together in the June 4th primary, though that largely depends on what happens later today.
Kim has filed a federal lawsuit challenging county organizational lines, with a hearing set in Trenton. Yesterday, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin filed a brief that said he finds the practice unconstitutional and therefore would not defend it in court.
In an unexpected move, Hodes wrote a letter detailing why she is stepping down today, stating she could not be part of any group connected to the “dysfunctional and antiquated” HCDO.
“I no longer wish to spend my time and effort working to influence an organization so committed to the status quo. At a time when women’s rights are eroding across our country, gun deaths are at an all-time high, and climate change is threatening our very existence, I wish to be part of organizations that are inclusive, modern, diverse, and democratic,” she explained.
“The HCDO is not that place. It has become abundantly clear that the priorities are not to bolster and grow the Democratic party but to consolidate and maintain power with the ‘County Machine.’ I couldn’t be prouder of the work that the Hoboken Democratic Committee accomplished during my tenure. Our endorsement of Mayor Ravi Bhalla for the U.S. House of Representatives and Congressman Andy Kim for U.S. Senate are just the latest in a string of accomplishments.”
HCDO Chair Anthony Vainieri said that the head of the county Democrats deals directly with the 12 local mayors, not the municipal chairs, though many mayors are also the Democratic chairs of their municipality.
“I’m sorry she feels that way, I wish her luck. As far as the process goes, the HCDO chair always communicates directly with the mayors, many of whom are also the municipal democratic chairs,” Vainieri responded.
“I have never made an endorsement without speaking to all of them up, including the Hoboken mayor. It’s unfortunate that the Hoboken mayor decided to run for Congress against our candidate, and therefore, I could not ask him about the endorsement of Tammy Murphy and Rob Menendez.”
Hoboken 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, a vocal critic of Bhalla, said that the notion the Hoboken Democratic Committee vote was actually democratic is a stretch.
“The Hoboken Dems squandered the chance to showcase democratic values last night, instead choosing to mirror the corrupt practices they claim to oppose – a committee predominantly chosen and led by Team Bhalla insiders, a dubious secret ballot process, and even barring candidates, including sitting congressmen, from meeting committee members. Mayor Bhalla’s involvement only underscores this hypocrisy, as he criticizes unfair processes at the county level while perpetuating them locally,” she said.
“Despite these advantages, it was clear to see support be revealed for Congressman Menendez’s re-election in Hoboken.”
This led to Hoboken Business Administrator Jason Freeman, Hodes’ husband, pointing out that Fisher called out the HCDO on social media last year for not holding a convention process for their endorsements, which was the start of a long Twitter battle.
This afternoon, Councilman-at-Large Joe Quintero, who successfully ran with Bhalla in 2021, took aim at Fisher as well.
“I’m disappointed Councilwoman Fisher would attack a transparent democratic process seemingly because she has a disdain for Mayor Bhalla. In her tweet, Ms. Fisher – with no basis – called the ballot dubious. It seems she is accusing the Hoboken Democratic Committee of engaging in some kind of fraud. Quite a serious allegation,” he said.
“Our bylaws were clear and they were followed. Ms. Hodes followed our process to a T. Also, no committee members were ever “barred” from meeting candidates. All candidates were treated exactly the same way – they were asked to submit written statements, and they did. There was never any prohibition on committee members engaging with the candidates separately.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated with a comment from Councilman-at-Large Joe Quintero.