Retired Municipal Court Judge Kenneth Gonzalez wants to be the next mayor of Perth Amboy.

He announced his intention on Facebook today to run in the Democratic Primary.

His formal announcement:

“I humbly ask registered Democrats to vote for KEN GONZALEZ for Mayor of the City of Perth Amboy on June 4, 2024. With your support, we SHALL move our beloved City back into the right direction! If you’re not registered to vote yet, please contact me via messenger here on Facebook!! Thank you for your support!!”

Mayor Helmin Caba is Democratic Party incumbent, having defeated Wilda Diaz in 2020.

It will be at least a three-way race for mayor among incumbent Caba, Gonzalez, and attorney Joe Vas, Jr.

In a press release, Gonzalez said, “After much prayer and reflection with my family and friends, I have come to the decision to run for Mayor of the City of Perth Amboy. In recent years I have seen a sharp decline in quality of life and community standards. I have witnessed an increase in crime, and I have unfortunately seen our city deteriorate compared to the rest of the county. Therefore, I feel compelled to take action to announce my candidacy for Mayor and humbly ask for your vote and support.”

A resident of the City of Perth Amboy for nearly 50 years, former Judge Gonzalez has owned and operated a law practice in the city for over 20 years and prior to serving as Chief Judge of the Municipal Court, he served as a City Councilman from 2010-2014. He also served many years as Vice President and eventually President of the Perth Amboy Board of Education from 1999-2010. Mr. Gonzalez also serves as a Eucharistic Minister at Good Shepard Parish Roman Catholic Church in Perth Amboy and resides with his wife Jeanette. The couple has two adult children who previously attended Perth Amboy Public Schools.

Gonzalez is expected to announce in the coming weeks his two running mates who shall be seeking seats on the Perth Amboy City Council in the coming election. The campaign manager for Mr. Gonzalez shall be former City Council President Joel Pabon.