Kearny resident Justin Avishay has launched an independent campaign for Hudson County sheriff, making it a three-way dance for the top elected local law enforcement position in the November 4th general election.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Running on a platform of integrity, modernization, and community-first leadership, Avishay says he is rejecting political machines and focusing instead on restoring trust between law enforcement and the public and boosting morale within the department.
“I may be young, but my soul is old. My values are simple: respect people, work hard, and lead by example. We need a sheriff who shows up for the officers and for the community- not just during election season, but every day,” he said in a statement.
Avishay, 33, has launched a series of grassroots interviews across Hudson County, highlighting local businesses, listening to residents, and building relationships with officers.
His approach aims to unify the badge and the people it serves, while bringing much-needed energy and transparency to the role, his campaign said, also noting that he’s an ideal fit for the job despite not having a law enforcement background.
“You don’t have to be a cop to be the sheriff. You have to be a leader — someone who knows how to manage, how to listen, and how to make things better. I’m here to rebuild what’s been lost: trust, pride, and a sense of purpose in the uniform,” Avishay declared.
His campaign priorities include modernizing the sheriff’s office with transparency and tech-forward efficiency, raising morale, and fighting for better wages for the officers and spotlighting community voices and small businesses through regular outreach and video interviews.
“I’m not here to play politics. I’m here to solve what’s broken and raise the standard of public service. If we do this right, we can make people proud of their sheriff again,” he concluded.
Avishay has a serious uphill battle to be elected the county’s youngest sheriff in history.
Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis defeated incumbent Frank Schillari by about eight points in the June 10th Democratic primary, as HCV first reported, and the county hasn’t elected a Republican sheriff since 1904 and has never elected an independent sheriff.
Nonetheless, Avishay and Republican nominee Elvis Alvarez will oppose Davis on the ballot this fall.
Biggest long shot in history, nevermind….no chance