The Hotel & Gaming Trades Council (HTC) is endorsing North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. and At-Large Council candidate Josephine C. Garcia in the May 12 nonpartisan election, and will put its field operation behind both campaigns in the final weeks.

HTC will announce the endorsement at a press conference on Thursday, April 9 at 4:00 p.m. at 337 Bloomfield Avenue in Newark.

HTC President Rich Maroko praised Ramos as a consistent advocate for working people.

“No one in Newark has been a more faithful or consistent friend to working people than Anibal Ramos. At every turn, he has put working Newarkers first," Maroko said. "He’s been our champion on the Council, and I know he will continue fighting for a fairer, more affordable Newark — a city where HTC members can be proud to live and work.”

Ramos, a lifelong North Ward resident, is seeking his sixth term on the Municipal Council. Over nearly two decades, he has built a reputation for hands-on constituent service, neighborhood investment and a consistent focus on working families.

“I’m proud to have HTC’s support,” Ramos said. “Their members are the backbone of this region’s economy. I’ll keep fighting to make sure Newark remains a place where working families can afford to live and build a future.”

Maroko also pointed to Garcia’s record of service and understanding of the challenges facing working families.

“Josephine has had a stellar career of public service in Newark, and I am more than excited to see her in this race. HTC members in Newark need people on the Council who understand the challenges of living and working in a city where costs are rising. We believe Josephine will do a great job on the Council, and will be doing all we can to see her seated in City Hall after the election.”

Garcia, also a lifelong Newark resident, serves on the Newark Board of Education, where she worked to expand opportunity for students and families. Her campaign is centered on affordability, quality of life and keeping Newark accessible to working people.

“I’m honored to earn this endorsement,” Garcia said. “I’ve spent my career serving Newark and I know how hard it is for families to keep up with rising costs. I’m ready to bring that fight to City Hall.”

The union represents hotel, club, racetrack and casino workers across New York City, Northern New Jersey and Upstate New York, including roughly 1,000 Newark residents.

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