Passaic County Mayors and Council Leaders Unite Behind Passaic County Candidates Veliky, Cruz, and Cassanova

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ (May 7, 2026)-- Mayors and council leaders from communities across Passaic County today announced their endorsement of Nick Veliky and Orlando Cruz for Passaic County Commissioner and Zoila Cassanova for Surrogate in the upcoming June 2nd Democratic Primary.

The growing coalition of municipal leaders said the endorsement reflects confidence in a team focused on affordability, strong public services, responsible government, and delivering results for working families. The endorsements follow recent support from Governor Mikie Sherrill, county elected officials, and Democratic leaders from across Passaic County.

Woodland Park Mayor Tracy Kallert said the team understands the importance of partnership and responsiveness in local government.

“This is a team that listens, works hard, and understands the importance of partnership between local and county government,” said Mayor Kallert. “Nick Veliky, Orlando Cruz, and Zoila Cassanova are committed to moving Passaic County forward.”

Passaic County Democratic Chairman John Currie said the candidates have earned county-wide support because of their commitment to public service and delivering results.

“Nick Veliky, Orlando Cruz, and Zoila Cassanova understand the challenges facing our residents because they work in our communities every day,” said Chairman Currie. “They are focused on affordability, supporting families and seniors, and making sure county government delivers for them.”

The endorsement coalition includes:

Mayors

John D’Amato (Bloomingdale), James Damiano (Little Falls), Andre Sayegh (Paterson), Mohamed Khairullah (Prospect Park), Michael Johnson (Haledon), Hector Lora (Passaic), and Tracy Kallert (Woodland Park).

Council Members & Local Officials

Jenniffer Hagan, Dominic Catalano, John Graziano, David Bronkhurst, and Ray Yazdi (Bloomingdale); Joseph Kolodziej (Clifton); Aleksandra Tasic, Nereyda Curiel, Carlos Aymat, Carlos Moczo, Junior Morris, and Jim Iza (Haledon); Anthony Sgobba, Christopher Vancheri, and Christine Hablitz (Little Falls); Gary Schaer and Thania Melo (Passaic); Felicia Ortiz, Robert Ardis, Zack Daghstani, Mohammed Hussain, and Niaz Nadim (Prospect Park); and Vincent DeCesare, Tina Gatti, Louis Torres, Michael Sica, Adam Cahaabane, and Edwin Figueroa (Woodland Park).

Nick Veliky and Orlando Cruz thanked the mayors and council members for their support.

“We are proud to have the support of local leaders from communities across Passaic County,” said Veliky. “This campaign is about continuing to deliver results and keeping our county affordable and moving forward.”

“We’re grateful for this broad coalition of support,” added Cruz. “We look forward to continuing to work with local leaders to strengthen services, invest in our communities, and improve the quality of life for residents across Passaic County.”

Surrogate Zoila Cassanova also thanked the elected officials for their endorsement.

“I’m honored to have the support of so many dedicated local leaders and remain committed to serving Passaic County families with compassion and respect.”

The June 2nd Democratic Primary will determine the party’s nominees for County Commissioner and Surrogate.

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