North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco, former state senator from LD-32 and a Hudson County Democrat, tonight formally backed Republican Jack Ciattarelli for Governor.

"This evening, I am proud to stand alongside Jack Ciattarelli at our annual Mayor’s Ball to formally endorse his candidacy," said Sacco in a statement.

"North Bergen has faced significant challenges in recent years, losing critical state funding and aid despite our ongoing appeals for support," said the mayor of a city of 70,000 people. "Jack has been consistently responsive and pledged to stand with North Bergen and ensure that our community—and others like it across New Jersey—receive the resources and attention they deserve. I have full confidence in his leadership and his commitment to doing what’s right for our residents and for the future of our state. The welfare and well-being of our North Bergen residents are more important than party lines."

The GOP nominee for Governor basked in the endorsement, which he personally received from Sacco at the Venetian in Garfield.

"I see this as a race to get New Jersey back to the New Jersey we all grew up in and the New Jersey we all love," said Ciattarelli.

"I'm honored to have received Mayor Sacco's endorsement tonight."

Some background HERE.

And HERE, regarding an ongoing Sacco scrap with neighboring Union City Mayor Brian P. Stack.