HOBOKEN DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE ENDORSES CONGRESSMAN ANDY KIM FOR SENATE AND MAYOR RAVI BHALLA FOR HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES   

The Hoboken Democratic Committee is pleased to endorse Congressman Andy Kim for U.S. Senate and Mayor Ravi Bhalla for U.S. House of Representatives. On Sunday, March 17, the committee held a meeting to conduct a vote of the elected members to endorse a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives in the 8^th District.

“Congratulations to both Mayor Bhalla and Congressman Kim. The Hoboken Democratic Committee has once again affirmed their commitment to fair elections and a rejection of the undemocratic process undertaken by the HCDO. The committee executed a transparent and equitable process in which members were each given the same opportunity to have their voice heard. Today’s outcome is a product of our years-long fight for transparency and equity in the political process,” says Rachel Hodes, Chair of the Hoboken Democratic Committee. “The results of tonight’s meeting overwhelmingly demonstrate the will of our committee and the prospect that democracy can be alive and well in Hudson County.”

Following the Hudson County Democratic Organization’s announcements of their endorsements for Federal Office in late 2023, the members of the Hoboken Democratic Committee felt disenfranchised, not having been given the opportunity to participate in any endorsement “process.” They felt it was important to have their voices heard and represent the members of the public who elected them to do so.

Congressman Andy Kim stated “It’s an honor to have the support of the Hoboken Democratic Committee in this fight to restore integrity and deliver for working families. Democrats across Hudson County and New Jersey see that there’s a better way, and I know we can deliver change with their support, and the support of grassroots Democrats across our state.”

Mayor Ravi Bhalla stated “I’m so proud to have earned the endorsement of the Hoboken Democratic Committee tonight. My time in public service began as Democratic Committeeman knocking on doors 16 years ago and since then, it has been the privilege of a lifetime to represent this community – first on the City Council and for the last 6 years as mayor. Now, as I run for United States Congress, having my local community’s support means the world to me. Together, we’re going to deliver real change for Hudson, Essex, and Union Counties and we’re going to offer our community a real, honest choice.”

The committee, which is made up of 69 elected individuals, voted by a secret ballot. The committee contacted each announced campaign for the offices of U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives for the 8th District and invited them to submit a statement seeking the endorsement of the Hoboken Democratic Committee. Six candidates submitted a statement, which were distributed prior to the meeting.

Final Breakdown of Votes for US Senate endorsement:

Dr. Patricia Campos-Medina: 6%

Kevin Cupples: 0%

Lawrence Hamm: 2%

Congressman Andy Kim: 83%

Patrick Merrill: 0%

First Lady Tammy Murphy: 6%

Senator Robert Menendez: 2%

Final Breakdown of Votes for US House of Representatives 8^th Congressional District Endorsement:

Mayor Ravi Bhalla 73%

Kyle Jacey 2%

Congressman Rob Menendez Jr 25%