Jersey City Council President Joyce Watterman, also a declared candidate for mayor, is backing Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed President Joe Biden.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Today I support Vice President Kamala Harris’s candidacy for President of the United States. Recognizing her unwavering dedication to justice, equality, and progress, I proudly endorse Vice President Harris as the leader who will bring our nation forward into a brighter future,” Watterman said in a statement.
” … From advocating for healthcare reform and economic equity to standing up for women’s rights and environmental sustainability, Vice President Harris has proven herself as a compassionate and effective leader. Her vision for America includes a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment for all, regardless of gender, race, or background. Women in New Jersey understand the importance of representation in leadership.”
Watterman is the third Jersey City elected official to come out for Harris after Biden withdrew from the race on Sunday.
U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8) and Mayor Steven Fulop, both who had supported Biden’s re-election bid, came out for Harris within hours of the news coming down.
“Kamala Harris’s candidacy represents a historic opportunity to shatter glass ceilings and inspire generations to come. Her resilience, integrity, and empathy make her not only qualified but also the ideal candidate to lead our nation forward in these challenging times,” the council president also said.
Watterman is currently running in a four-person filed for mayor in a non-partisan race set for November 5th, 2025.
Her opponents at the moment are Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), former Gov. Jim McGreevey, and ex-Board of Education President Mussab Ali, who had called on Biden to step aside before he made his announcement.
A spokeswoman for Watterman’s campaign declined to comment on an editorial published on Patch last night that incorrectly identified the council president as the head of Harris’ campaign in New Jersey.