Menendez Gets Endorsement Of Hudson County Democratic Organization For 2024

HOBOKEN, NJ — Recently, a spokesman for Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla confirmed that the mayor hopes to take on Rep. Robert Menendez Jr. for the 8th Dist. Congress seat in 2024 — news that will force powerful Democrats in the area to take sides soon.

Bhalla's possible run picked up steam last month after reports said he has raised significant funds early in the race, at least $506,000.

But the county's longtime Democratic machine responded late on Friday with a press release saying they (the Hudson County Democratic Organization) are already endorsing Menendez Jr. for re-election.

(Robert Menendez Jr. has not been named in the recent federal indictment of his father.)

Below is the HCDO release.

HCDO Release

Hudson County Democratic Organization Endorses Congressman Rob Menendez

Chairman Anthony Vainieri and the Hudson County Democratic Organization are endorsing Congressman Rob Menendez (D-8th Dist.) for re-election in 2024. Citing Rep. Menendez’s commitment to public service and the results he has already delivered for the people of Hudson County in his first term, Chairman Vaineiri and county Democratic leaders are excited to continue partnering with him and offering their support. Rep. Menendez will appear on the HCDO ballot line in the 2024 Primary Election along with the party’s other endorsed candidates.

“Congressman Rob Menendez has made a major positive impact on Hudson County in his first term and the Hudson County Democratic Organization is proud to stand with him and offer him our endorsement in 2024,” said Chairman Vainieri. “From delivering millions of dollars in grant funding for key priorities like our infrastructure and law enforcement, to helping thousands of constituents navigate the federal government bureaucracy, to always standing up for our Democratic values, Congressman Menendez is a strong representative for Hudson County and someone we can count on to deliver for our residents.”

Since taking office, Congressman Menendez has helped secure over $11.1 billion for the Eighth Congressional District, including infrastructure and transportation investments like the Gateway Program, Northeast Corridor, and electric ferries, grants for environmental justice and urban forest projects, and public safety funding to support community-oriented policing. Rob is a valued member of the House Democratic Caucus, appointed to serve as Regional Whip and elected by his peers to serve as Freshman Representative on the House Democrats’ Steering and Policy Committee, where he assists in advancing Democrats’ legislative priorities. He and his team have closed over 1,000 constituent cases and helped return $285,000 to residents in SSDI and other federal benefits, providing the highest level of service to every resident of the district. Rob has introduced legislation to help local communities end homelessness, advocated for more cross-Hudson mass transit options, worked to protect reproductive freedom, championed LGBTQ+ equality, and fought for our brothers and sisters in organized labor.

"Since taking office in January, my focus has always been the people whom I am privileged to represent and serving the hard-working families in this district," said Congressman Rob Menendez. "The challenges we are facing are unprecedented and a test of our collective will to meet this moment. I see that every day, whether I am in the halls of Congress or meeting with constituents in the district. And the work ahead is bigger than any one person. We must all be in it together and work with leaders at every level of government to deliver the change our residents demand and deserve. That is why I am so honored to run with the Hudson County Democratic Organization and to collaborate with our incredible group of leaders. We must win the future for all our families and together, we will."

READ MORE: Hoboken Mayor Bhalla May Face Robert Menendez Jr. For Congress