Passaic County Democrats Celebrate Decisive Primary Victory, Unite for November

Passaic County Democrats Celebrate Decisive Primary Victory, Unite for November

Passaic County, NJ (June 3, 2026) — Passaic County Democratic Committee Chairman John Currie tonight congratulated Nick Veliky and Orlando Cruz on their decisive victories for County Commissioner and Surrogate Zoila Cassanova on her successful primary election, while calling on Democrats across Passaic County to unite for the challenges ahead.

Veliky and/or Cruz secured convincing victories and emerged as the top vote-getter in all 16 Passaic County municipalities, reflecting broad support from Democratic voters throughout the county. Surrogate Judge Zoila Cassanova also earned a decisive victory, demonstrating strong countywide support for the Passaic County Democratic Committee team.

“Tonight, Democratic voters sent a clear message,” said Chairman Currie. “They chose experienced, community-focused leaders who are committed to affordability, public service, and delivering results for Passaic County families. Congratulations to Nick Veliky, Orlando Cruz, and Surrogate Zoila Cassanova on a thorough victory.”

Currie praised the candidates for running positive campaigns focused on the issues that matter most to residents, including affordability, public safety, services for seniors and veterans, infrastructure improvements, and maintaining strong county services.

“Nick, Orlando, and Zoila earned the trust of voters by talking about the future and the work that still needs to be done,” Currie said. “They built a coalition that reached every corner of Passaic County and every part of our Democratic family.”

“From Bloomingdale to Paterson, from Ringwood to Passaic, Democratic voters spoke with one voice. Nick Veliky, Orlando Cruz, and Zoila Cassanova earned support in every corner of Passaic County, and we're excited to unite behind them as we head toward November.”

Currie also extended an olive branch to Ali Aljarrah, Ralph Feliciano, and their supporters, inviting them to join Democrats across Passaic County in preparing for the challenges ahead.

“Ali, Ralph, and their supporters care deeply about our communities and our Democratic values,” said Currie. “We may have disagreed during this primary, but we have far more in common than what separates us. The election is over, and the door is open. It is time to come home, come together as one Democratic family, and focus on the work ahead.”

Currie said Democrats throughout Passaic County must now unite around a common goal of protecting working families, defending fundamental rights, and standing up to Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans in November.

“Primary elections are part of a healthy Democratic Party. We may not always agree on every issue or every race, but we share far more in common than what divides us,” said Currie. “Tonight, the primary is over. The family discussion is over. Now it is time to come together.”

Currie said Democrats must now focus on the November election and the challenges facing working families throughout New Jersey and the nation.

“Together we are stronger. Together we can continue fighting to make life more affordable, support working families, defend fundamental rights, and stand up to Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans who continue to push an agenda that is out of step with the values of Passaic County.”

Veliky, Cruz, and Cassanova issued a joint statement thanking voters, volunteers, and supporters throughout Passaic County.

“We are humbled by the trust Democratic voters have placed in us. This campaign was about listening to residents, focusing on affordability, strengthening county services, and delivering results for working families, seniors, and our communities. We are grateful to every volunteer, supporter, municipal leader, and voter who helped make this victory possible. We look forward to continuing to work together, uniting our Democratic Party, and preparing for victory in November.”

Currie concluded by thanking Democratic leaders, municipal committee members, volunteers, and voters throughout the county.

“This victory belongs to every Democrat who knocked on a door, made a phone call, talked to a neighbor, or cast a vote. Tonight we celebrate. Tomorrow, we unite. And together we will continue moving Passaic County forward.”

###

News From Around the Web

The Political Landscape