Bayonne 2nd Ward Councilwoman Jackie Weimmer will run with Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato (D-31) as part of Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop’s ticket in a race where they’ll battle a slate backed by the Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO).
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“This campaign is driven by a commitment to real change for New Jersey. We know that policies directly impact the people of New Jersey every day which is why we are running a policy-driven campaign,” Fulop, a Democratic candidate for governor, said in a statement.
“Barbara and Jackie bring the leadership, empathy, and relentless determination to transform people’s lives. It’s time for government to serve the people, not the political machine.”
McCann Stamato currently serves on legislative committees focused on Community Development and Women’s Affairs, Regulated Professions, and Transportation and Independent Authorities.
Also the chair of the Jersey City Democratic Organization, she was elected in 2023 alongside now Assemblyman Will Sampson (D-31) under the HCDO banner.
This time around, Sampson is expected to run with County Commissioner Jerry Walker (D-3) with the party’s backing.
Weimmer, elected to her first term in May 2022 as part of Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis’ slate, is also the director of trust and estate planning for Orange Bank and Trust.
She has dedicated her career to supporting individuals with disabilities, focusing on the Special Needs Trust administration.
Fulop was a key backer Davis in his re-election bid for a rare third term 33 months ago, where he avoided a runoff with then-Council President Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski by 75 votes.
Now, the two neighboring mayors are on opposing political sides, with Davis all but officially running for county sheriff with the HCDO’s blessing against incumbent Frank Schillari – who is also on Fulop’s slate.
Davis, a retired Bayonne police captain, is also part of the faction led by HCDO Chair Craig Guy and state Senator (D-33)/Union City Mayor Brian Stack who are backing U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11) for governor.
With Weimmer and Davis also now on different sides of an HCDO civil war, Bayonne will inevitably become a battleground in the June 10th primary.
In the remaining legislative districts representing Hudson County, Fulop is backing Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez (D-32) against the HCDO-backed Jennie Pu and Crystal Fonseca.
Finally, Fulop is supporting Assemblyman Julio Marenco (D-33) in a re-election bid against the HCDO-supported Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez and Larry Wainstein, the chief political nemesis of North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco, as HCV first supported.
Marenco, Ramirez, and McCann Stamato were announced as running mates of Fulop back in June when it became apparent that Guy and the local county Democratic party would not be supporting his statewide run.
Fulop is running 31 state Assembly candidates statewide, along with three county commissioner candidates in Bergen County.
He’s running against two people?
Finally, Fulop is supporting Assemblyman Julio Marenco (D-33) in a re-election bid against the HCDO-supported Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez and Larry Wainstein
Yeah, he will have a running mate I’m sure but right now he doesn’t have one.