DeGise Announces Intent To Leave Office

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — Longtime Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, a former Jersey City councilman, said this week that he will retire next year rather than run for re-election.

DeGise has held the office — overseeing Hudson County's personnel, departments, and budgets — for 20 years. The election has been held every four years.

DeGise's spokesperson, Jim Kennelly, said this week, "Yes, Tom is not seeking re-election next year. He will serve out his term to Dec. 31, 2023 and retire from public service."

Among his accomplishments, DeGise has cited the $200 million expansion of Hudson County Community College, as well as the creation of a countywide Open Space Trust Fund that has funneled local tax dollars into parks in Hoboken, Bayonne, and North Hudson.

Sources suggested that DeGise's chief of staff, Craig Guy, may run in 2023 to take his place.

Kennelly would not respond to a question about whether the announcement is related to the recent controversy over DeGise's daughter, Councilwoman Amy DeGise, who was cited last month for leaving the scene of an accident with a bicyclist.

Numerous officials and residents have called for the younger DeGise to resign.