Jersey City councilman endorses Brennan, Bhalla in blockbuster Assembly primary

Jersey City Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore endorsed Katie Brennan and Ravi Bhalla for Assembly in the crowded Democratic primary in the 32nd legislative district. 

Bhalla, the mayor of Hoboken, and Brennan, a former Murphy administration official, are seeking the Democratic nominations in a six-candidate field. Gilmore, who prides himself on his political independence, said he believes the pair govern independently in Trenton.

“Katie’s a housing expert and a fearless advocate who’s never afraid to speak truth to power,” Gilmore said in a release. “Mayor Bhalla has a strong record of getting things done while remaining independent from the political machine. They represent the kind of bold leadership our communities desperately need.”

Jersey City accounts for about two-thirds of the district, while Hoboken makes up the rest of the 32nd.

Incumbent Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez (D-Jersey City) and Jersey City Councilman Yousef Saleh are running on Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop’s slate. Fulop is leading the “Democrats for Change” slate as part of his gubernatorial campaign.

The Hudson Democratic Organization is backing Jennie Pu, the director of the Hoboken Public Library and a PTA president in Jersey City, and Crystal Fonseca, a manager at the Jersey City Department of Public Safety and a former Newark school board member.

Assemblyman John Allen (D-Hoboken), Bhalla’s former chief of staff, is not seeking re-election to pursue private-sector opportunities and open the door for Bhalla’s run.

Bhalla and Brennan had not initially planned on running together. They said their plans to run separate campaigns were upended by a new ballot law that allows candidates to bracket together.

Brennan called Gilmore a “true inspiration,” and both candidates said he’s been a strong leader pushing for affordable housing.

“Councilman Gilmore’s endorsement means a lot. He knows what it takes to challenge the status quo and deliver real results for the community,” Bhalla said in a release. “I’ve watched Frank fight for affordable housing and transparent government in Jersey City, and I’m honored to have his support as we take that fight to Trenton.”

Gilmore, the Ward F councilman, endorsed Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for governor in November.