The Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO) today announced its endorsements for State Senate and Assembly in the 31st Legislative District. The party will support Assemblywoman Angela McKnight for State Senate, Assemblyman Will Sampson for re-election and Jersey City Democratic Organization Chairwoman Barbara Stamato for Assembly. Assemblywoman McKnight will run to succeed longtime state Senator Sandra Cunningham, who is retiring from public office.

“Senator Cunningham has been a strong advocate for the 31st District and an inspirational leader for Hudson County, and as Chairman of the Hudson County Democratic Organization I wholeheartedly thank her for her service,” said HCDO Chairman Anthony Vainieri. “I’m excited to support this new team of legislators who will work alongside the rest of our delegation to fight for the people of Hudson County and the values we believe in.”

The HCDO announced its ticket for the 32nd and 33rd legislative districts last month, including Assemblyman Raj Mukherji for State Senate, John Allen for Assembly and Jessica Ramirez for Assembly in the 32nd District and State Senator Brian Stack, West New York Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez for Assembly and North Bergen Commissioner Julio Marenco for Assembly in the 33rd District.

“I’m proud to support this new legislative team for the 31st District that includes one of the state’s most dynamic, community-focused leaders in Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, a devoted public servant in Barbara Stamato and a respected labor leader in Assemblyman Will Sampson,” said Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. “With this announcement and once our candidates are successful in their upcoming elections, Jersey City will now be represented in Trenton by a team of four legislators who truly reflect the full diversity of our community in Raj Mukherji, Angela McKnight, Barbara Stamato and Jessica Ramirez.”

“Senator Cunningham has been a champion for Bayonne and the entire 31st District, and while we are sad to see her retire from office I am certain that our city will continue to be in good hands with Assemblywoman McKnight, Chairwoman Stamato and our own Assemblyman Will Sampson,” said Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis. “Bayonne Democrats will be united behind this new 31st District team and we will come out strong to support them in the Primary Election.”

“With redistricting placing Kearny into the 31st District for the first time, it was very important to me to know that our community will continue to be represented in Trenton by thoughtful, dedicated public servants who will advocate for our needs,” said Kearny Mayor Al Santos. “I’m proud to support this new team of legislators and I’m confident that they will deliver the representation that our community needs.”

About the Candidates:

Angela McKnight has represented the 31st District in the State Assembly since 2016 and lives in Jersey City. She is the founder and chief executive officer of AngelaCARES, a nonprofit advocacy and support organization for senior citizens.

Will Sampson is a Bayonne resident who was elected to represent the 31st District in 2021. He is a member of International Longshoreman’s Association Local 1588.

Barbara Stamato is the Chairwoman of the Jersey City Democratic Organization and she was elected as the Vice Chair of the Hudson County Democratic Organization in 2022.