Hector Oseguera and David Ocampo Grajales, two recent Democratic challengers for Congress in the 8th District, are backing Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla to unseat U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez.
“I am enthusiastically endorsing Mayor Ravi Bhalla for Congress because I know that he will stand up for the working people of the 8th Congressional district, fighting for health care and affordable housing for all,” Oseguera, who received about 27 percent of the vote against US. Rep. Albio Sires in 2020, said in a statement.
“From an anti-corruption perspective, the choice is clear. We can count on Ravi to take on the political machine and open the door to other qualified candidates who will put people -not the machine – first.”
Bhalla is running to the left of Menendez, calling for the abolishment of party organizational lines and Medicare for All, among other things, and received the formal support of Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon yesterday, as HCV first reported.
“I am backing Ravi Bhalla for Congress because the 8th Congressional District deserves a representative who holds themselves accountable to people, not machine politics. Ravi Bhalla has an impressive record as mayor of Hoboken, leading the way on climate change, pedestrian safety, and affordable housing,” Ocampo Grajales, who lost to Menendez handily in a three-way race in 2022, added.
“As the son of immigrants, I know that Ravi Bhalla understands the challenges faced by our community. And in Congress, he’ll stand up against MAGA Republicans and speak out against racism and hate wherever it surfaces.”
Menendez has the support of the Democratic parties in Hudson, Union, and Essex Counties in his bid for second term in the House as his father, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), faces a litany of federal corruption charges.
Those three organizations are backing Menendez for Congress and First Lady Tammy Murphy for U.S. Senate, while Bhalla could bracket with U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-3) in Hudson County if his lawsuit to end county lines is unsuccessful and/or doesn’t apply for this year.
“I am pleased to have earned the endorsements of Hector Oseguera and David Ocampo Grajales, two dedicated community activists who courageously came forward and challenged the Hudson County political machine,” Bhalla stated.
“I am thrilled that they are in my corner and will be campaigning hard for me between now and primary day.”
The New Jersey primary election is on June 4th.