Most Hudson County mayors, all nine members of the county delegation, U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8), County Executive Craig Guy, Sheriff Jimmy Davis, and Clerk E. Junior Maldonado are announcing their picks for register and all nine county commissioner seats.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We look forward to working around the clock and ensuring that voters make it to the polls on Election Day,” state Senator (D-33)/Union City Mayor Brian Stack said in a statement.
“Constituent services and fighting for residents have been the hallmark of my public service and I look forward to working alongside this team to continue to deliver for the people of Hudson County.”
Register Jeff Dublin is being backed for another five-year term ahead of a contested primary against Mellisa Alexander, who he defeated handily in 2021. Support of Dublin was telegraphed earlier this month when he submitted over 1,000 petitions of nomination.
“I have been consistent since being elected Hudson County Democratic Chair that I wanted to increase our Party’s participation and put forward candidates that reflect our diversity and our shared values,” Guy added.
“I want to thank Mayors Stack, Doyle, Solomon, Jabbour and all of our elected officials for their efforts in helping to keep Hudson County moving forward. County residents need representatives who will stand against the dangerous and oppressive policies being put forward by MAGA Republicans while working cooperatively to make Hudson County a safe and affordable place to live and raise a family.”
The county commissioner being backed for another term in the June 2nd primary are Kenny Kopacz (D-1), Bill O’Dea (D-2), Yraida-Aponte Lipski (D-4), Fanny Cedeño (D-6), Caridad Rodriguez (D-7), and Bob Baselice (D-8).
Aponte-Lipski is likely the only incumbent to face a primary challenge ahead of tomorrow’s 4 p.m. filing deadline, with former Jersey City Ward D council candidate Patrick Ambrossi getting into the race just as Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member David Guirgis dropped out.
While Assemblyman Jerry Walker (D-31) indicated last month that he would like to support his successor on the board, Commissioner Celeste Williams (D-3), for a full term, but that didn’t end up happening as Pam Johnson is the consensus pick.
The executive director of the Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County announced her candidacy in February with number of elected leaders getting behind her, as HCV first reported.
Board of Commissioners Chair Anthony Romano (D-5) seems unlikely to seek re-election with Bautista, who he defeated in 2020 and 2023, receiving the majority of local Democratic party support.
“These individuals represent the best of Hudson County Democrats, and are a historically diverse and progressive set of candidates. These are leaders who reflect our community, share our values, and are laser-focused on making Hudson County more affordable for working families,” noted Jersey City Mayor James Solomon.
“When Democrats come together like this, we get things done. This was made possible by the partnership of County Executive Guy and Mayor Stack, and I’m proud to stand with my colleagues from across Hudson County in support of this exceptional team.”
In the 9th District, Commissioner Al Cifelli is retiring and his opponent from 2023, Alex Valdez, seems likely to succeed him given that he has the backing of the aforementioned electeds.
Another candidate has filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (NJ ELEC), Kearny Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) President Mina Elkadious.
The three local mayors who did not sign onto the endorsements are North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco, East Newark Mayor Dina Grillo, and Harrison Mayor James Fife.
“Now more than ever, we need strong fighters at every level of government to deliver for. I am confident that the Hudson County Democratic slate will do just that. These candidates represent the great diversity of our county and I am proud to support them,” expressed Menendez, who is also seeking re-election with party support on June 2nd.
“I look forward to running together in a united effort to fight back against the Trump Administration and to continue working with County Executive Guy and the Board of Commissioners to deliver for everyone who calls Hudson County home.”
