Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez (D-Jersey City) and Jersey City Councilman Yousef Saleh released their first digital ad of what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive Assembly primaries in the state.
Ramirez and Saleh, who are running together in the 32nd legislative district, composed of parts of Jersey City and Hoboken, discussed community services, school funding, and infrastructure in the 55-second ad.
The ad also features Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, who is backing their candidacies under the “Democrats for Change” ticket. Jersey City accounts for about two-thirds of the district’s voters. Fulop, a Democratic candidate for governor, is supporting a slate of dozens of Assembly candidates across the state.
“We’re not just talking about change — we’re delivering it,” Ramirez said in a release with the ad. “From the Right to Counsel to pay transparency, our team has already fought for and secured tangible improvements for working families.”
“We’re pushing for a fair school funding formula, major improvements to mass transit infrastructure, lower taxes, and a government that actually listens to the people it serves,” Saleh said.
Only one of the district’s incumbents, Ramirez, is seeking re-election.
Assemblyman John Allen (D-Hoboken), a former chief of staff to Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, is not running this year. Bhalla is running for the nomination alongside former Murphy administration housing official Katie Brennan, who released her first ad Wednesday.
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.
Transcript:
Ramirez: In our community, we believe in progress and opportunity for everyone.
Saleh: And together, we’re making real change here in Hoboken and Jersey City.
Ramirez: We’re proud of securing things for our constituents like Right to Counsel, pay transparency, and building better community resources for our most vulnerable residents.
Saleh: And now, we’re pushing for even more — a fair school funding formula. Better infrastructure for public transit. Lower taxes. And a government that is accountable to you.
Both: Because we’re stronger when we work together. For our families, for our businesses, and for the future of Hoboken, Jersey City, and the State of New Jersey.
Ramirez: I’m Jessica Ramirez.
Saleh: And I’m Yousef J. Saleh
Both: And we approve this message.
Saleh: Vote 1B Ramirez and 2B Saleh by June 10th.
Ramirez: And let’s build a brighter future, together.