NJ Working Families Party Announces First Round of County Commissioner Candidate Endorsements

NEW JERSEY — Today, the New Jersey Working Families Party (NJ WFP) announced its first round of endorsements of downballot candidates across the state running for county office in the upcoming primary: Ron Bautista, Hudson County Commissioner District 5; David Gurgis, Hudson County Commissioner District 4; and Ali Aljarrah, Passaic County Commissioner.

These candidates earned early primary endorsements after a rigorous vetting process and demonstrated a clear commitment to fighting for working families. Candidates were required to submit a questionnaire and interview with organizational members of NJ WFP’s State Committee. Candidates also participated in 13 weeks of training and coaching from NJ WFP on how to run a grassroots campaign.

“The NJ Working Families Party is proud to endorse these bold leaders who are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder and ten toes down with working people,” said Antoinette Miles, State Director for the New Jersey Working Families Party. “From public transit and roads, to immigration and Medicaid cuts, county commissioners are on the forefront of national and local fights that shape everyday life. Working people need fierce advocates who will meet the moment and put the county government to work for them, not the powerful or the wealthy.” 

“I’m proud to be a Working Families Democrat because Hoboken and Jersey City deserve a county government that fights for all our neighbors, not just party insiders,” said Ron Bautista. “For over 25 years, the Working Families Party has shown us what it means to champion the working people who keep our communities running — standing up for our democracy against billionaires while rejecting machine politics that silences our voices. This endorsement is proof that our movement for affordability and opportunity over machine politics is winning. I'm so honored to have their support.”

"Since the year I was born, the Working Families Party has been on the front lines of the fight for a multiracial working class democracy,” said David Giurgis. “I started my career as a field organizer for the WFP's choice for President, Elizabeth Warren, so it is an especially gratifying full-circle moment to be endorsed by the WFP today. Together, we will win the fight for an affordable, corruption-free Hudson County -- and we will deliver 100% green social housing, universal childcare, and free community college for everyone who calls Hudson County home." 

“I'm deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the New Jersey Working Families Party — an organization that has long been a political home for people like me who believe our democracy works best when working people lead it,” said Ali Aljarrah. “As the son of Iraqi immigrants, Muslim, and a proud Working Families Democrat, I’m running for Passaic County Commissioner because our county deserves leadership that brings together the full strength of our multiracial working class — across race, faith, and neighborhood — to fight for clean air and water, affordable housing, good union jobs, and a government that actually delivers for everyday people.”

The New Jersey Working Families Party has become a major player in state politics since the Party defeated the corrupt county line system. Just a few months ago, the NJWFP backed its former state director, Analilia Mejia, in the special election primary for New Jersey’s 11th congressional district in an upset victory. Last year, the NJWFP elected Jersey City Mayor James Solomon and a slate of ward candidates for city council. In addition, WFP backed working-class champions who won competitive state legislative primaries in Hudson and Passaic counties: Assemblymembers Katie Brennan and Ravi Bhalla in District 32 and Assemblymembers Al Abdelaziz and Kenyatta Stewart in District 35. The Party also endorsed and supported Newark Mayor Ras Baraka in his second-place finish in a historic Gubernatorial primary.

Wins in these down-ballot races would build upon WFP’s success in the 2025 and 2026 elections.

The NJ WFP endorsement includes support for its candidates, from knocking doors and making phone calls to voters to paid media, including mailers and social media, as well as mobilizing volunteers.

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