Passaic County Democratic Leaders Unite to Endorse Veliky, Cruz for Commissioner and Cassanova for Surrogate

WOODLAND PARK, NJ (May 5, 2026)- Leaders from across Passaic County today announced a broad, unified endorsement of Nick Veliky and Orlando Cruz for County Commissioner and Surrogate Zoila Cassanova for re-election in the June 2nd Democratic Primary.

The endorsement brings together the leadership of the Passaic County Democratic Committee, county officials, and municipal leaders from across all 16 municipalities, reflecting strong support for a team focused on delivering results for Passaic County families.

Passaic County Democratic Chairman John Currie and Vice Chairwoman Christine Tiseo said the endorsement reflects the strength and unity of Democrats across the county.

“Nick Veliky, Orlando Cruz, and Zoila Cassanova understand what matters most to our communities-- affordability, public safety, and making sure county government works for everyone,” said Chairman Currie. “They have the experience and commitment to continue delivering results for families across Passaic County.”

Vice Chairwoman Tiseo added: “This is a team that knows how to bring people together and get things done. Democrats across Passaic County are united behind Nick, Orlando, and Zoila because they have a proven record of service and a clear vision for the future.”

The endorsement list continues to grow. Nick Veliky, Orlando Cruz, and Zoila Cassanova are supported by county officials and Democratic leaders across Passaic County, including County Commissioners John Bartlett, Sandi Lazzara, Bruce James, Rodney DeVore, and former Commissioners Pat Lepore and City of Passaic Mayor Hector C  Lora; Passaic County Clerk Danielle Ireland-Imhof; and Passaic County Sheriff Thomas Adamo.

The Passaic County Democratic Committee leadership endorsement also includes municipal Democratic leaders from across all 16 municipalities, including Bernard Vroom III (Bloomingdale); John Pogorelec Jr. (Clifton); Carlos Aymat (Haledon); Pete Oneglia and Louis Imhof (Hawthorne); Adam Zurbruegg (Little Falls); Anthony DeNova and Dennis Marco (North Haledon); Wilfredo Baez and Thania Melo (Passaic); Maritza Davila and Lilisa Mimms (Paterson); Michael Ramaglia (Pompton Lakes); Mohamed Khairullah (Prospect Park); Peter Sando and Robin Canetti (Ringwood); Joseph Pascrell (Totowa); Sofia Comas-Phillips and Rafael Ortiz (Wanaque); Marc Seemon and Evan Covello (Wayne); Karen Phelan and Mary Granata (West Milford); and Ruth Patterson (Woodland Park).

Together, these leaders represent a broad coalition united around keeping Passaic County affordable, strengthening services for residents, and continuing to move the county forward.

Nick Veliky and Orlando Cruz thanked the leaders for their support and emphasized their focus on results.

“We are proud to have the support of leaders from every corner of Passaic County,” said Veliky. “This campaign is about continuing to deliver for families, support local communities, and keep our county strong and affordable.”

“We’re grateful for this support and ready to continue the work,” added Cruz. “Our focus is on strengthening services, supporting our communities, and making sure county government works for everyone.”

Surrogate Zoila Cassanova also expressed her appreciation for the broad support.

“I’m honored to have the support of leaders from across Passaic County and remain committed to serving families with care, professionalism, and respect.”

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

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