Erfrain Badilla Orleans Jr., the building manager and events coordinator of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, will run for the Jersey City Ward B council seat on former Gov. Jim McGreevey’s ticket.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“My life’s ministry has been working with the faith community. I am honored to seek the Ward B Council position as it presents an opportunity to serve the entire neighborhood, families, seniors, and children,” Orleans said in a statement.
“My hope is for Jersey City to be one community, where city services improve the quality of life for all of our neighbors.”
Orleans won the 2023 Hunger Free Service Award and received Recognition of Good Stewardship from the Archdiocese of Newark in 2018. He worked with St. John the Baptist Church in Jersey City.
“Efrain brings a wealth of experience and practice in the ministry. In working with the community throughout Ward B and Jersey City, Efrain has demonstrated his commitment to building healthy communities, which will be a tremendous asset as we seek to strengthen our neighborhoods and reach out to our neighbors in need,” McGreevey added.
Orleans leads community outreach programs, organizes charitable events, and offers personal and spiritual guidance to churchgoers and those grieving.
In addition to his work in church leadership, Orleans serves as the Filipino Delegate at Riotto Funeral Home and Cremation Company.
Orleans is the second member of McGreevey’s ticket, announced two days after Brandi Warren, the director of the New Jersey City University (NJCU) Center for Teacher Preparation, joined the team as the Ward A council candidate.
Ward B Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey has said she plans on being on the ballot next year, but has not said anything beyond that. Community organizer Joel Brooks, who lost a very tight race to Prinz-Arey in 2021, has also expressed interest in running again.
Two of his three opponents have revealed running mates as well: Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea has recruited Councilman-at-Large Daniel Rivera and lifelong educator Kristen Zadroga-Hart to run at-large.
While she has not formally been announced as of this writing, Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County Executive Director Pamela Johnson will be running for the Ward A seat with O’Dea.
Additionally, Council President Joyce Watterman is running former mayoral challenger Lewis Spears, former board of education candidate Kenny Reyes, and Liberty Church JC Pastor Dave Carment at-large, with ex-BOE Trustee Alexander Hamilton running in Ward E.
Former BOE President Mussab Ali has not announced any running mates yet ahead of the non-partisan November, 4th, 2025 municipal elections.
