Linden Democrats behind the leadership of state Senator Nick Scutari (D-22) are expected to put their support behind Councilwoman Gretchen Hickey for mayor.

Daughter of a local police officer and a trustee on the Linden Housing Authority, Hickey was born and raised in Linden.

She has been critical of incumbent Mayor Derek Armstead’s leadership during his four-year as mayor.

Her entrance into the contest would set up a three-way race among her, incumbent Armstead and Councilwoman Rhashonna Cosby.

Elected chairman of the Union County Democratic Committee last month after a brutal contest, Scutari backing Hickey gives the chairman his first female candidate for office since he gutted through the narrative of big-footing Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr for the chairmanship, then oversaw CD7 Democrats opting for Tom Malinowski instead of Linda Weber for congress.