Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla has already raised an astronomical $1 million to take on Rep. Robert J. Menendez in New Jersey’s 8th district, setting up a fierce primary fight against a freshman congressman who shares the same name as his father, an indicted and unpopular United States Senator.
Sources close to Bhalla said that Bhalla raised $957,000 during the fourth quarter – more has come in since January — and will report over $900,000 cash-on-hand when he files his report with the Federal Election Commission late this month.
Bhalla, a two-term mayor, began considering a challenge to Menendez in September after the Justice Department charged his father with taking bribes. Seven weeks later, Bhalla had already raised a gigantic $509,000; he formally entered the race on December 12.
Menendez, a former Port Authority Commissioner, took the 8th district seat in 2022 following the retirement of Rep. Albio Sires (D-West New York). His father helped clear the field, and he locked up the nomination in a solidly Democratic district within days, before even entering the race.
“Many share my frustration that our elections in the 8th district are coronations instead of elections. No more. I am running to give voters a chance to vote for a qualified candidate with a track record of accomplishment,” Bhalla said. “I wasn’t born on third base with a powerful last name. Like the hardworking people of the 8th district, I earned everything I have achieved.”
Menendez had $433,244 cash-on-hand through the end of September. He has not yet announced his fourth-quarter haul, but his allies said he has been aggressively raising money.
He has also secured the organization lines in Hudson and Union counties and endorsements from most of the Hudson mayors. While Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop has said he would not back Menendez for a second term, he has not made any endorsements in the race.
That will put Menendez on the Hudson organization line with U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Murphy. His father, whose corruption trial begins in May, has not said if he will seek a fourth term in the Senate.
There is speculation that Bhalla will run on a line with Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown), who is seeking the Democratic Senate nomination.
“I am so humbled that we will have the resources to directly reach every voter in the district,” Bhalla stated. “We will have an election this time where voters have a real choice, and I look forward to it.”