The mayors of Westfield, Clinton, and Hillside are endorsing Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, all Democrats, for governor in 2025, joining his team to lead policy initiatives.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Democrats in New Jersey want to hear more from local political leaders about how we can address the challenges facing our communities and improve their quality of life, and that’s why our campaign will present the most expansive and detailed policy agenda ever seen in a gubernatorial primary,” Fulop said in a statement.
“Mayor [Shelley] Brindle, Mayor [Janice] Kovach, and Mayor [Dahlia] Vertreese will each be a critical part of our campaign leadership team and their accomplishments leading their communities speak for themselves. I’m excited to work closely with these mayors who each have valuable experience solving problems and a strong vision for how state and local government can make a difference in improving peoples’ lives.”
The announcement comes after Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small backed Fulop for governor last week, about two weeks after the Jersey City mayor became the first candidate to declare for the June 3rd, 2025 primary, and also came on board as co-campaign chair.
Brindle was elected Westfield mayor in 2017, flipping the seat from red to blue, on a platform of downtown economic revitalization, fiscal responsibility, and quality of life improvements. She was then re-elected in 2021.
Prior to running for public office, Brindle had an extensive executive career in the private sector including a stint as an HBO executive.
She currently serves on the executive board of the New Jersey League of Municipalities and is the co-founder of the Raritan Valley Line Mayors’ Alliance and will bring the perspective of transit-oriented suburban communities to inform policy for the Fulop campaign.
“I am excited to partner with Mayor Fulop to create a substance driven campaign that will confront the issues that Westfield and other municipalities throughout our state continue to face, particularly those related to transportation, affordability, and responsible economic development,” Brindle stated.
“Working alongside Mayors Kovach and Vertreese, we have an opportunity to be on the ground floor developing the policy agenda that could shape the future of our state for the benefit of all residents and business owners.”
Kovach is a former president of the New Jersey League of Municipalities and secretary of the Democratic State Committee. She is in her third term, getting re-elected in 2019 by an over 2-1 margin.
“Mayors serve on the front lines of our communities — we know what kind of progress is possible with additional resources and innovative policy solutions from state government, and that’s exactly what Steven Fulop will pursue as our next governor,” said she said.
“I can’t wait to get to work with Mayor Fulop and his team putting together an agenda for progress that will benefit communities all over our state.”
Finally, Vertreese’s endorsement of Fulop is expected, as one of the super PACs aligned with him, the Coalition for Progress, paid for mailers to help her and three council-at-large candidates she supported win December 2021 council runoffs.
“Mayor Fulop is not just someone I admire as a fellow mayor and a dedicated leader and public servant, I’m proud to call him a true friend who has supported me throughout my political career,” she declared.
“Our state needs a bold yet pragmatic vision for how we can help struggling communities and families succeed, and I know that Steven Fulop is the best candidate to make that a reality.”
In conclusion, Fulop said New Jersey voters can expect him to begin rolling out substantive policy initiatives by the late summer.
“I believe the voters reward campaigns that are thoughtful around public policy and present more than just the same basic platitudes they are used to seeing. Our plan is to showcase a strong record in Jersey City and a detailed plan for all of New Jersey.”
