N.J. Working Families Alliance endorses Bhalla, Fulop, Solomon, and Lavarro for re-election

The New Jersey Working Families (NJWF) group endorsed Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Ward E Councilman James Solomon, and Councilman-at-Large Rolando Lavarro this morning.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

The endorsements came via a tweet thread that began with “At NJWF, we endorse candidates that represent the needs and values of working families in New Jersey.”

Bhalla is running unopposed in the Mile Square City, though 10 people are running for three council-at-large seats. NJWFA opted not to endorse in that race.

Meanwhile, Fulop is going head-to-head against author and youth mentor Lewis Spears. NJWFA State Director Sue Altman praised for Fulop for “leading the charge” in “our fight for economic justice.”

“From standing up for high wages for working class residents to ensuring equitable treatment for the LGBTQ community to fighting back against climate change on the local level and so many other courageous stances, we know Mayor Fulop will continue to stand with us and with the working families of Jersey City just like he always has done,” she said in a statement.

Fulop was of course happy to accept the group’s support.

“The Working Families Alliance has been at the forefront of moving our state in a more progressive direction and I am thrilled to receive their support,” Fulop noted.

“Here in Jersey City we’re proud of our record of leading the way on so many important issues and setting an example for the rest of the state that progressive policy and responsible governance can work together, and we will continue to live up to those values every day.”

Furthermore, Solomon and Lavarro rallied with Altman last year in opposing the county’s contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is now being phased out by next month.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Working Families Party because this election is about creating a downtown for working families, not for the developers and special interests who for too long ran roughshod over our community,” stated Solomon.

“This is an important election  and I am excited to stand with the Working Families Party as we fight for truly affordable housing, better schools, a more resilient Jersey City and more open spaces for our community.”

Lavarro, who was endorsed by NJWFA when he ran with Fulop in 2017, vocalized a similar sentiment.

“I’m honored to have worked with NJ Working Families in the past, having received their support in 2017,”he began.

“I am humbled to receive their endorsement in 2021 and look forward to working with them in Abolishing the Line in NJ and pushing a progressive agenda that puts People Over Profits.”

Both Solomon and Lavarro are running independently this election cycle.

The non-partisan municipal elections for Hoboken and Jersey City are on November 2nd.

Editor’s note: This story was updated with a comment from Jersey City Councilman-at-Large Rolando Lavarro.