Downtown Jersey City Councilman Picks Hoboken Mayor For Congress

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — In the heated battle over Rep. Rob Menendez Jr.'s congressional seat, opponent Ravi Bhalla, the mayor of Hoboken, landed an endorsement Friday from a councilman in Menendez's own hometown.

Downtown Ward E Councilman James Solomon has endorsed Bhalla to get the Democratic nomination in June for the seat.

[RELATED: Former Hoboken Mayor Zimmer And Husband Take Aim At Bhalla]

“I am thrilled to endorse my friend, Mayor Ravi Bhalla, for Congress!" Solomon said, in a release. "As mayor, he has made historic investments in climate resiliency programs and delivered on ambitious street safety measures."

Solomon added, "He's running for Congress on a progressive agenda to serve Jersey City, Hoboken, and the rest of NJ-8. In taking on the county line and political machine, Ravi is paving the way for more independent and qualified candidates to run for elected office throughout New Jersey — and that commitment to a free and fair democracy for all makes his voice that much more needed in Washington."

Bhalla said, “James Solomon is a strong, independent voice who is building an impressive record of accomplishment in Jersey City and is one of the leaders in the fight for a more open Democratic Party Hudson countywide. I am thrilled to have his support. It is a big boost for my campaign.”

More Mud Thrown

After launching his run late last year, Bhalla has started highlighting the indictment of Menendez Jr.'s dad, Sen. Robert Menendez Sr., for bribery. Rep. Menendez Jr., who is finishing his first term, was not named in the indictment.

On March 11, Bhalla wrote on Twitter about new charges against the senator, "This morning, our senior Senator was arraigned in federal court on a 4th superseding indictment. His son also happens to be my primary opponent in NJ-08."

Menendez Jr. fought back this week, launching a website about Bhalla being censured for "unethical" conduct as a lawyer, called CorruptRavi.com.

Kyle Jasey of Jersey City is also running for the Democratic nomination.

Meanwhile, Sen. Bob Menendez released a video Thursday night saying he won't run in the Democratic primary, and expects to be exonerated (see the video here).

Read more about the race here: Chair of Hoboken Democratic Party Resigns From County Machine, With Letter