Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari, who was first elected as a Democrat in 2010 and will serve for a record-setting five terms, has just switched to the Republican party prior to his term expiring at the end of the year after a primary loss to Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“After decades of service, I’ve come to understand that leadership isn’t about party lines, it’s about standing up for what’s right, even if it’s not popular,” he said in a statement.
“My job has always been to protect and serve this community and I believe this shift allows me to do that without compromise.”
He added that the move reflects his steadfast dedication to law enforcement, public safety, and the values of accountability and common-sense leadership.
Also a U.S. Navy veteran and former Hudson County undersheriff, Schillari elaborated that the change comes due to a commitment to fiscal responsibility and community over politics.
“Our officers deserve leaders who support them, not just with words, but with policies and resources that allow them to do their jobs safely and effectively. Taxpayers are struggling. We must run our government like we run our households, with discipline, transparency and accountability,” he declared.
“This is bigger than politics. It’s about putting our communities, our families and our future first. My oath never mentioned a party, it mentioned the people. That’s who I serve. That’s who I fight for.”
Schillari also noted that while he respects colleagues on both sides of the aisle, he expressed concern that today’s Democratic party no longer reflects the principles that guided his public service career.
Davis, who ran with the support of the Hudson County Democratic Organization, bested Schillari, who was a part of Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop’s “Democrats for Change” gubernatorial slate, by about eight points in the June 10th primary.
While Davis is heavily favored to succeed Schillari next year, the November 4th general election also has independent Justin Avishay and Republican nominee Elvis Alvarez on the ballot.