Councilman George Zapata and Sarah Bonilla Win Democratic Primary in Kearny

1st Ward Councilman George Zapata and newcomer Sarah Bonilla win Democratic primary for Town Council on the independent “Team Kearny” slate

KEARNY, NJ — In the most competitive local primary in Hudson County this year, 1st Ward Councilman George Zapata and 3rd Ward candidate Sarah Bonilla won the Democratic primary election for Kearny Town Council against candidates backed by the mayor and the Hudson County Democratic machine.

Councilman Zapata won by 20 percentage points, 55% to 35%, and Sarah Bonilla received more votes than any other candidate for Kearny Council with 430.

In response to the election results, the candidates on the Team Kearny slate released the following statements.

“I want to thank all of my neighbors for believing in me and the work I’m doing,” said Councilman George Zapata. “The people of Kearny deserve independent voices on the Town Council who only work for them and no one else. I’m going to keep fighting to bring transparency to our town’s finances so we can keep Kearny affordable.”

"Kearny is my home, and it’s an honor to serve on our Town Council," said Sarah Bonilla, Democratic nominee for 3rd Ward Council. “I grew up here, my husband and I are raising our family here, and I want to make sure this town works for the next generation of Kearny kids the same way it did for me. Thank you to everyone in the 3rd Ward, and thank you to Eileen Eckel for all of the trust, mentorship, and support you’ve given me throughout this campaign.”

2nd Ward Councilman Dennis Solano and 4th Ward Councilman Stathis Theodoropoulos came up short by 38 and 32 votes, respectively, and released the following statements.

“Thank you to everyone in the 2nd Ward who showed up today,” said Councilman Dennis Solano. “I do this work for all of you. It’s been an honor to serve you on the Town Council.”

“I’m proud of the campaign we ran and the work we’ve done on the council,” said Councilman Stathis Theodoropoulos. “This whole campaign was about bringing transparency and accountability to Kearny’s finances, and asking hard questions when no one else would. Thank you to everyone who put their trust in me. It’s been an incredible honor and privilege.”

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