Jersey City Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore is endorsing Assemblyman Will Sampson and Hudson County Commissioner Jerry Walker (D-3) for state Assembly in the 31st Legislative District, as well as Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis for county sheriff.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Will Sampson and Jerry Walker are the leaders we need in Trenton to make a real difference for the people of our district,” Gilmore said in a statement.
“They are both deeply connected to the community and have a proven track record of standing up for working families, improving public safety, and fighting for affordable housing and economic opportunity. Together, they will be powerful advocates for our neighborhoods in the state Assembly.”
At a glance, Gilmore teaming up with the HCDO may seem a bit odd, but this time around, they have a common political adversary in Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, a Democratic candidate for governor.
Fulop is running Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato and Bayonne 2nd Ward Councilwoman Jackie Weimmer on his “Democrats for Change” ticket in LD-31, as well as supporting Sheriff Frank Schillari for a sixth term.
“Jimmy Davis is the right person for the job of Sheriff. He has dedicated his life to public safety and has the experience, integrity, and vision needed to lead Hudson County’s law enforcement into the future. I know he will serve with honor and always put the needs of our community first,” Gilmore added.
Winning his seat as an independent against an incumbent on Fulop’s ticket in 2021, Gilmore is also going against the HCDO in two races.
He endorsed Newark Mayor Ras Baraka last year (the HCDO is supporting U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, (D-11) and just yesterday backed Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and Katie Brennan for Assembly in the 32nd Legislative District, both as HCV first reported.
Additionally, the HCDO is running Hoboken Public Library Director Jennie Pu, and Jersey City Director of Buildings and Street Maintenance Crystal Fonseca in LD-32, while Fulop’s team is Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez and Jersey City Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh.
The primary elections in New Jersey are set for June 10th.
The only qualifier Gilmore has is his rap sheet. But, this is, after all, hudson county where this sort of monicker is an asset.
Winner: Fidel Hernandez