Hudson County Democratic Organization Announces Endorsements for District 32 and 33 Legislative Seats, County Executive  

Gov. Murphy, Senators Menendez and Booker Join Chairman Vainieri and Hudson Leaders to Support Candidates

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — Hudson County Democratic Organization Chairman Anthony Vainieri was joined by Governor Phil Murphy, U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, Senate President Nick Scutari, numerous Hudson County Democratic leaders and hundreds of supporters on Saturday to officially announce the party’s endorsements for the 32nd and 33rd Legislative District seats and County Executive in the June Democratic Primary. The HCDO is proud to endorse:

District 32

Raj Mukherji for State Senate, Jessica Ramirez and John Allen for State Assembly

District 33

Brian Stack for State Senate, Gabriel Rodriguez and Julio Marenco for State Assembly

County Executive

Craig Guy for County Executive

“This is an exciting day for Hudson County as we officially begin the Primary Election by endorsing seven truly outstanding candidates, all of whom have long records of public service and varied experiences that will enable them to become the excellent representatives that the people of our county deserve,” said Chairman Vainieri. “With two talented, seasoned legislators in Brian Stack and Raj Mukherji running for Senate, four dynamic new candidates for State Assembly and a candidate for County Executive in Craig Guy who could not be more prepared to hit the ground running on day one, I’m very proud of the group of leaders we have assembled today, and of the unity that exists right now in the Hudson County Democratic Organization.”

The event was held outside the historic Brennan Courthouse and was also attended by Congressman Rob Menendez, former Congressman Albio Sires, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, Sheriff Frank Schillari, County Clerk Junior Maldonado, Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, Assemblyman Will Sampson, Mayor Al Santos, Mayor Wayne Zitt, County Commissioners Bill O’Dea, Jerry Walker, Ken Kopacz and Anthony Romano, as well as numerous local Council members, union leaders, community members and more.

“I commend Chairman Vainieri, Senator Stack, Assemblyman Mukherji, and Hudson Democratic leaders on selecting an experienced, talented team of candidates who are ready to deliver for Hudson County,” said Governor Murphy. “The people of Hudson County deserve elected officials who will work every day to deliver for New Jersey’s middle class and working families and I look forward to working alongside Craig Guy and the legislators from Hudson County to do just that.”

The legislative candidates will be running in newly created districts that were selected by the Legislative Redistricting Commission last year. District 32 includes parts of Jersey City as well as Hoboken. District 33 includes Union City, North Bergen, West New York, Weehawken, Secaucus and Guttenberg.

“Hudson County will always be a place that is close to my heart, so I am proud to be a part of today’s announcement of this new day for the Hudson County Democratic Organization under the leadership of Chairman Vainieri,” said Senator Menendez. “Each of these candidates represents the best of Hudson County and I know they will work hard between now and Election Day, so they each have my full support and endorsement. I look forward to partnering with them to fight for our shared Democratic values here in Hudson County, in Trenton and in Washington.”

The HCDO will announce its endorsements in the 31st Legislative District and for the County Commission at a later date.

“As one of our economic, cultural and political powerhouses, Hudson County is critical to New Jersey’s future, and I am glad to see Chairman Vainieri endorse this exciting team of leaders to keep the county and our state moving forward,” said Senator Booker. “I’ve seen the hard work, dedication, and leadership these candidates bring to their communities. I’m confident they will continue to bring people together and fight for policies that empower New Jersey families.”

About the Candidates: 

Raj Mukherji has served in the State Assembly since 2013 representing the 33rd District. He is an attorney and serial entrepreneur with healthcare, real estate, technology, and regulated cannabis holdings who joined the U.S. Marine Corps following 9/11 and later entered public service as a Deputy Mayor in Jersey City.

Jessica Ramirez is a Jersey City resident and partner at the law firm D’Arcy Johnson Day, where she specializes in serious personal injury, sexual abuse, medical device and product liability litigation. She has served on the State Ethics Committee and as an Eminent Domain Commissioner.

John Allen of Hoboken is the former Chief of Staff to Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and his predecessor Dawn Zimmer. He’s an attorney with the firm Schenck Price and also serves on a number of public bodies, including the Hudson County Planning Board and the Garden State Joint Insurance Fund.

Brian Stack has served as a State Senator representing the 33rd Legislative District since 2007 and previously was elected to the State Assembly. He is the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has responsibility for approving nominations to a variety of state and judicial positions. He also serves as Mayor of Union City, where he is renowned as one of the state’s most active and engaged elected officials.

Gabriel Rodriguez is currently in his first term as Mayor of West New York and has served on the Board of Commissioners since 2015. He formerly served as Field Representative and Campaign Director for Congressman Albio Sires, and he works as an Accounts Manager for the West New York Board of Education.

Julio Marenco was elected to the North Bergen Board of Commissioners in 2015 and previously served as a member of the local Board of Education. A U.S. Navy veteran who served in the submarine service, he is an attorney, adjunct professor and an associate member of the State Parole Board.

Craig Guy is the longtime Chief of Staff to Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise and a career public servant. He is a retired Jersey City police officer, a member of the Hudson County Schools of Technology Board of Education and the Treasurer of the Hudson County Democratic Organization.