Running a grassroots progressive campaign for commissioner in the Democratic Primary, Ali Aljarrah of Little Falls wants to revitalize Passaic County, which Donald Trump won in 2024.

The ruling Democratic Party establishment, Aljarrah argues, runs the county with too much moderation, which gave Republicans an opening.  Now, as the GOP collapses under the weight of Trump's presidency, Aljarrah says his candidacy embodies a clearer and independent vision, and rejection of the atmospheric complacency that made Trump possible in the first place.

"I talk to people I know who were Trump supporters, who are no longer Trump supporters," said the candidate, who's running on a platform of affordability and accountability. "People have taken down Their trump signs."

But that doesn't mean they're newly in love with establishment Democrats.

"People are looking for leaders to step up and ultimately call a spade a spade," Aljarrah said. "It's not just a matter of people speaking. It's organizing. This aspect - this aspect of organizing - is badly needed. When you see the cuts coming from the federal government, the county commission can be a true opposition, not just in name but in activity."

Born in Paterson, the son of Iraqi immigrants, raised in Clifton and Little Falls, vice chair of the Board of the Council on American‑Islamic Relations (CAIR) NJ, Aljarrah sees a chance to strengthen the role of the commission board. He wants to strengthen taxpayer protections and safeguards for Passaic County's considerable immigrant population, and its natural resources. If elected, he said he would more aggressively crack down on polluters, move for the governing body's support of the NJ Immigrant Trust Act, and work more closely with other levels of government and private entities to ensure the better maintenance of the county's $460 million budget.

"I think the commissioners took a step in the right direction by saying ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] can't enter county property," Aljarrah told InsiderNJ. But he would go farther by giving progressive organizations Make the Road a "seat at the table." In addition, he said he would work more closely with small businesses to help alleviate their tax burdens.

The residents of Passaic County already felt deprived of a good return on their tax dollars, the candidate argues. Now, Trump with his war in Iran has made matters worse. "People are asking 'What the hell is going on with our government? Why are things becoming more expensive? There is a correlation between the Middle East and what is going on here at home. Trump is draining our tax dollars and healthcare is going up.

"In this campaign, a lot of labor, enviro, and progressive support [including Working Families] is coming out for us, in part because they saw me on the ground fighting in Trenton [on behalf of CAIR]," added the candidate, running in the Democratic Primary against incumbent Commissioner Orlando Cruz and newcomer Nick Veliky.

"There is a lot of heart and belief that government can be better," Aljarrah said.