Hudson mayors endorse Rob Menendez for re-election to Congress

Eight more Hudson County mayors have endorsed Rep. Robert J. Menendez for re-election in New Jersey’s 8th district, making it likely that he will have the Democratic organization line when he seeks re-election next year.

Some Democrats had been hesitant to back the freshman congressman for a second term following the September 22 indictment of his father, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez.

Menendez is expected to endorse Tammy Murphy for U.S. Senate, even though his father has not yet said if he will seek re-election.

Today’s endorsements came from North Bergen Mayor/State Sen. Nicholas Sacco, West New York Mayor and former Rep. Albio Sires, and Mayors Richard Turner (Weehawken), Jimmy Davis (Bayonne), Carol Jean Doyle (Kearny), Wayne Zitt (Guttenberg), and Dina Grillo (East Newark).

Menendez was endorsed on Friday by Union City Mayor/State Sen. Brian P. Stack, Hudson County Executive-elect Craig Guy, and Hudson County Democratic Chairman Anthony Vainieri, Jr.

But not on the list is Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop,  a candidate for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

Menendez already faces a likely challenge from Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla.

The recent public support for Menendez, and his pending endorsement of Murphy for Senate, makes it increasingly likely that Bhalla will wind up on a line with Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown), who is seeking a U.S. Senate seat.

“Since taking office in January, Rob has been a responsive and powerful advocate for our communities at the federal level, helping residents with any issues they are having with the federal government and securing millions of dollars for projects across Hudson County,” the mayors said in a statement.  “From childcare to healthcare and essential living expenses, Rob works hard to make life more affordable for all of our residents.”