Chiaravalloti says he’ll support Menendez’s congressional bid

Assemblyman Nicholas Chiaravalloti (D-Bayonne) said today that he’ll support Rob Menendez’s congressional bid should Menendez run for the 8th congressional district, which Rep. Albio Sires (D-West New York) will vacate in 2022.

“I’ve known Rob since he was in high school,” Chiaravalloti said. “I think he’s an intelligent, passionate leader. I think he would be a powerful advocate for the county. If he decides to run, I would certainly talk to him and would expect to support him.”

Chiaravalloti was a top aide to Menendez’s father, Bob Menendez, as a congressman and U.S. Senator between 2002 and 2005.

This could put both Democratic factions in Bayonne in Menendez’s camp.

Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis is a close political ally of the state’s senior senator, but a split in the party led Davis to pull support for Chiaravalloti’s re-election bid this year.

Menendez, an attorney and commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, has quickly established himself as the frontrunner for Sires’ seat despite not yet officially announcing his campaign.

Sires has formally confirmed his retirement, but he told the New Jersey Globe he’ll make an announcement before the end of the year.