Craig Guy assumed the oath of office as Hudson County’s fifth ever County Executive on Thursday evening at a packed inauguration event headlined by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who conducted the oath of office. The ceremony was held at the Hudson County Schools of Technology’s Earl W. Byrd Center in Jersey City and was attended by nearly 1,000 supporters. Featuring tremendous participation from over 100 students across various disciplines, the event included remarks from numerous elected officials, musical performances, gourmet hors d’oeuvres prepared by HCST Culinary Arts students and more. Following his inauguration, County Executive Guy spoke about his plans to implement an agenda designed to provide increased opportunities and improved services for Hudson County residents. Numerous speakers paid tribute to outgoing County Executive Tom DeGise, praising his record of investing in the communities he served and restoring honesty and integrity to the office.

“Hudson County has always been my home, and I know that together we can make it an even better place for people to live, work, start a family and pursue their dreams,” said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. “I am honored to have Governor Phil Murphy swear me in and deeply grateful to all of the elected officials, community leaders, brothers and sisters in labor, students and friends who made this event so special. Having the opportunity to serve the residents of Hudson County is a responsibility that I will cherish, and I promise that my administration will be laser focused on providing even more opportunities through which our residents may thrive.”

No shortage of federal, state and local elected officials arrived to celebrate and share words of support for County Executive Guy. The event’s speakers included U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-9), U.S. Congressman Robert Menendez, Jr. (NJ-8), State Senator Brian Stack (LD-33), State Senator-Elect Raj Mukherji (LD-32), State Senator-Elect Angela McKnight (LD-31) and Hudson County Commission Chairperson Anthony Romano (District 5). Mayor of Jersey City Steve Fulop delivered welcome remarks, and U.S. Senator Cory Booker provided a video offering his support.  Other high profile political leaders in attendance included New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman LeRoy Jones, U.S. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, Essex County Executive’s Chief of Staff Phil Alagia, Mayor of North Bergen Nicholas Sacco, Mayor of Bayonne Jimmy Davis, Mayor of West New York Albio Sires and numerous other elected officials.

“I am thrilled to swear in my good friend Craig Guy as he officially assumes the role of county executive and shares his vision for the future of Hudson County,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Craig has built a reputation as a results-oriented public servant focused on improving the lives of families across our state. I know he’ll continue building on his impressive track record of making Hudson County a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

The star-studded event kicked off with the presentation of colors executed by the Honor Guards of the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office and Hudson County Department of Corrections. Father Vic Kennedy and Rabbi Leana Moritt blessed the ceremony. HCST students Zachary Yabut and Brianna Paulino performed duties as master of ceremonies. The High Tech High School “Voices” Choir welcomed the crowd with a rendition of “Beautiful Day” by U2. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by HCST Explore Middle School students Nia Jackson. The National Anthem was performed by HCST High Tech High School freshman and local singing sensation, Lola Castellano. Closing out the ceremony was the County Prep High School “The Wonder Collective” band with a cover version of “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi.