Another Hoboken Councilperson Makes Endorsement In Menendez/Bhalla/Jasey Race

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — Another Hoboken City Council member has picked a side in the heated battle for the 8th District Congresional seat. Incumbent Rep. Rob Menendez Jr. is facing Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and Kyle Jasey for the Democratic nomination.

Michael Russo, who some say plans to run for Hoboken mayor if Bhalla leaves his post, nonetheless endorsed Menendez for the seat on Monday.

The 3rd Ward councilman said, “Hoboken is fortunate to have Rob fighting for us in Congress, and I am thrilled to endorse him for re-election. From helping us secure Union Dry Dock to fighting helicopter noise, from tackling the housing affordability crisis to securing billions of dollars for mass transit, Rob has been a champion for the issues that matter to Hoboken residents. Most importantly, as residents who have struggled to navigate the federal bureaucracy know, Rob’s office has also made constituent service a priority, solving over 1,500 constituent cases, including complex immigration matters. Rob has done the work to earn my support and I look forward to making sure he continues to be our ally in Congress.”

Menendez said, “Michael and I have known each other for a long time, and I am honored to have his support for re-election. He works tirelessly to serve his residents, and I look forward to continuing our collaboration for Hoboken.”

Dr. Michael Russo has been serving the residents of Hoboken as a City Council member for more than 20 years.

Other Campaign News

Bhalla opened his election office Saturday at 331 Grand St., on the west side of Hoboken.

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Other recent endorsements are:

• Bhalla was endorsed by Jersey City Council President Joyce Waterman. He was also endorsed by a longtime political ally, Hoboken 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen.
• Menendez was endorsed by new Hoboken 1st Ward Councilman Paul Presinzano.

The 8th District includes Hoboken, some of Jersey City, most Hudson County towns, Elizabeth, and the East and North Wards of Newark.

Both Bhalla and Menendez have raised more than $1 million for their campaigns.

Read more about the race:

• Bhalla, Menendez File Signatures To Run In June 4 Democratic Primary
• Days After 'Gold Bar Bob' Menendez Barb, Bhalla Asks For 6 Debates
• Chair of Hoboken Democratic Party Resigns From County Machine, With Letter