Hoboken, NJ – JUNE 16, 2025 – Today, Dr. Michael Russo, Candidate for Hoboken Mayor, announced a full slate of City Council running mates for the November 4th, 2025 general election: three candidates for At-Large seats, and a fourth in the 6th Ward. With a diverse set of backgrounds, professions, and accomplishments, Team Russo represents the best and brightest of the Mile Square City’s present and future. Dr. Russo’s running mates are Nicole Magaña (At-Large), Pete Keeling (At-Large), Dean Murray (At-Large), and Ryan Cunningham (6th Ward).

“Hoboken is the city we all love—and it’s out of love that we rise to address its challenges,” said Dr. Michael Russo. “Whether it’s unaffordable housing stock, e-bikes and rats rampant in our streets, circling blocks multiple times in search of parking, chaotic recreation processes, and more, there are plenty of issues that need to be addressed. Nicole, Pete, Dean, and Ryan are the leaders that Hoboken needs on the City Council. They share my vision for bold progress and solving our City’s problems with relentless positivity. They come from different backgrounds and are already strong leaders in their own right, advocating for their neighbors and raising awareness for the way our City operates. In addition, they’re free from the divisive political infighting that has dominated Hoboken life for the past several decades. The energy in this group is electric and I cannot be more excited about the future of Hoboken. Let’s win this!”

Running for City Council At-Large, Nicole Magaña has called Hoboken home for the past 18 years. An alumna of the University of Delaware and Arizona State University, Magaña previously worked in corporate America and taught graduate-level public speaking before setting roots in the Mile Square City. Now, as a Licensed Real Estate Professional at Boutique Realty, she has deep knowledge of the property landscape in Hoboken, and has seen the housing crisis up close. “I love Hoboken, and that’s why I want to take the issues I see and turn them into action,” said Magaña. “Every day I live another story that makes me want to run for City Council: a client who breaks down crying because they have to leave the city they love, a small business owner navigating unexpected city fees and bureaucracy, a mother asking me where her child can play safely. A rat running in front of my dog while I get pulled along for the ride! These stories are not statistics; they’re daily life here. I’ve known Michael for years, and I’m proud to be part of Team Russo, where we put both inclusivity and receptiveness first.” Magaña also sits on the Board of Community Lifestyle, extending her reach into the community and making a difference at the grassroots level. Follow her at @nicole4hoboken on Instagram.

Also running for City Council At-Large, Pete Keeling is a local entrepreneur and content marketing professional who has lived in Hoboken for the past 15 years. A graduate of Emerson College with a degree in Cinematography and Film/TV Production, Pete is the Owner/Operator of Bodega Cards, a thriving sports-first trading card store in the Jersey City Heights. “I used to have a small business in Hoboken—but had to close it due to the burdensome regulations, high costs, and lack of support from our City’s government,” said Keeling. “I see Washington Street increasingly dominated by corporate chains, and it’s clear that the City Council needs a new voice that knows firsthand the value of innovation, less red tape, and meaningful advocacy for small business owners. In addition, I’ve already stepped into a leadership role in my neighborhood, just in virtue of the fact that I’m willing to listen to feedback from my neighbors and advocate for them. I’m proud to be on Team Russo because Michael’s spent his entire career being a bold leader who cares about everyone in our city and pushing for meaningful change.” Pete is also a certified Steadicam operator and a passionate Crossfit athlete. He’s on Instagram at @pete4hoboken.

Rounding out the City Council At-Large candidates is Dean Murray, a successful attorney at Hoboken’s very own Murray Law Firm, representing clients mostly in immigration and family law cases. “Hoboken is a small city brimming with talented individuals, and although it’s right next to New York, I love that we’ve maintained our neighborhood feel. I’m determined to keep our community as comfortable and affordable as possible for residents,” said Murray. “Unfortunately, we’re currently losing talented residents to nearby places like Brooklyn and Secaucus. The reasons are numerous: traffic, lack of parking, flooding, and housing prices —so I’m excited to run for City Council to tackle those major issues.” Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Murray earned his Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law, and is admitted to practice in both New Jersey and New York. While much of Murray’s time is spent protecting individuals in complex cases involving human trafficking, spousal abuse, and child abandonment, his community service extends across Hoboken. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees at The Sky Club on 1st Street, a community of 1,200 residents, where he has lived for over a decade. He also assists St. Ann’s Church with its various ventures, including the annual feast and volunteering at the Hoboken Homeless Shelter. “I’m proud to be on Team Russo as someone who shares Michael’s passion for service. Michael has spent the past 20 years giving back to this community—whether it’s sponsoring local nonprofits, getting festivals off the ground, or helping neighbors with everyday issues. We all look forward to serving our community even more!” Follow Dean on Facebook and Instagram at @dean4hoboken.

Finally, Ryan Cunningham, SVP/Managing Director at Powerhouse VFX, is running for the 6th Ward City Council seat. A leader in the film and television industry, Ryan oversees visual effects for major streaming and studio productions. His recent credits include Silo on Apple TV+, Netflix’s Wednesday and HBO's Mare of Easttown. A Hoboken resident for nearly a decade, Ryan lives in the 6th Ward with his wife and two young children. His campaign is focused on improving pedestrian safety, regulating e-bike use, strengthening sanitation, protecting open space, and—most urgently—investing in Hoboken’s youth. “I’m especially passionate about expanding access to youth programs,” Cunningham said. “After-school options, recreation leagues, and arts and leadership opportunities are essential for building confidence, community, and opportunity for the next generation. We need to do more and do better for our kids.” With years of leadership experience managing high-stakes, high-pressure creative projects, Ryan brings a results-driven approach to public service. “I’ve led large teams and delivered under tight deadlines with millions of dollars on the line. I’ll bring that same focus and accountability to City Hall, not just for my family, but for everyone.” He added, “I’m proud to be on Team Russo because Michael has both the modern vision and the institutional knowledge to lead Hoboken into a brighter future.” Follow Ryan at his Instagram handle, @ryan4hoboken.

A joint Instagram account, @teamrusso4hoboken, will also be sharing updates from all of these candidates throughout the year.

Hoboken’s nonpartisan election for Mayor, Council 6th Ward, and Council At-Large will be held during the 2025 general election on November 4, 2025. Mail-in ballot applications can be printed in both English and Spanish, and must be mailed back to the Hudson County Clerk. Residents who wish to register to vote can fill out an online application in English, Spanish, Korean, or Gujarat using a Driver’s License, Social Security card, or non-driver license issued by the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission.

Dr. Michael Russo was born and raised in Hoboken and has been serving the 3rd Ward of Hoboken as a City Council member for over 20 years. A graduate of Hoboken High School, Michael went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Stockton University, Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Rutgers University (formerly UMDNJ), and Doctor of Physical Therapy from Utica College. As always, residents are encouraged to email councilmanrusso@gmail.com with their feedback and learn more online at drmichaelrussonj.com.