Pick A Side: Hoboken Councilmen Give Endorsements For Bhalla And Menendez For Congress

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — Council members in Hoboken and Jersey City have been picking sides in the heated battle for the 8th District Congress seat.

Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla will compete against incumbent Rob Menendez Jr. and Kyle Jasey for the Democratic nomination in the June 4 primary. The winner of that contest will face off in November against Republicans and potential independents.

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

Ramos Endorsement

On Monday, Ruben Ramos Jr., a Hoboken council member who is sometimes independent of Mayor Bhalla, publicly endorsed Menendez.

Four out of Hoboken's nine council members almost always vote for Bhalla's initiatives, and five are sometimes independent, including Ramos, who represents the southwest part of the city.

Ramos released this statement:

"In just over a year in Congress, Rob has brought home federal funding to hire more Hoboken firefighters, a grant for our library to celebrate our diverse cultures, funds to expand our urban tree canopy and develop a green workforce, much-needed investments in our water infrastructure, and funding for Stevens so we are better prepared from extreme coastal events."

He added, "He has advocated for Rebuild by Design, supported our safe streets initiatives, and helped with the U.S. Army Corps so we could acquire Union Dry Dock. Most importantly, he has also been a relentless advocate for his constituents, helping resolve over 1,400 cases and providing high-quality services to Hoboken residents. Rob has taken on the big fights both here and in Washington and he has earned our support for his reelection. I’m looking forward to continuing and enhancing our partnership on behalf of our residents, and I will do everything I can to make sure we send him back to Congress.”

Quintero Endorsement

Later that morning, Councilman-at-Large Joe Quintero, a strong ally of Bhalla, announced his endorsement of Bhalla.

He said in a statement, "Having worked closely with Mayor Bhalla over the past few years, I know first-hand what an effective mayor and exceptional leader he is--the kind of public official we need more of in Congress."

He added, "He has made Hoboken a national model for curbing climate change and pedestrian safety. Ravi is also proactively taking on the challenge of affordable housing, upgrading existing homes and ensuring the construction of hundreds of new units. And Ravi has made Hoboken a fair and welcoming city for all, working to make sure that all residents are treated fairly and that no one is left behind. In Congress, we can count on Ravi to stand up for women's reproductive rights, work to protect and strengthen our democracy, and to speak out against the rising tide of hatred and racism that is plaguing our nation. I enthusiastically back his candidacy."

Both Bhalla and Menendez have banked over $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