Ciattarelli picks up endorsements in Hudson County

Republican Jack Ciattarelli walked into Cuomo & Sons Deli in North Bergen today and left with endorsements from the most solidly Democratic county in New Jersey history.

The GOP candidate for governor was endorsed by two local elected officials from North Hudson:  North Bergen Commissioner Allen Pascual and West New York Commissioner Marcos Arroyo.

Ciattarelli also picked up the backing of former West New York Mayor and Assemblyman Sal Vega, and former West New York Commissioner Alberto Rodriguez.

North Bergen Commissioner Anthony Vainieri, Jr., a former Hudson County Democratic Chairman and chairman of the Hudson County Board of Commissioners, is also expected to endorse Ciattarelli over Democrat Mikie Sherrill, maybe as early as this week.

In 2021, North Bergen delivered a 4,997-vote, 45-point margin for Democrat Phil Murphy against Ciattarelli; West New York went for Murphy by 49 points and 3,003 votes.

Pascual has been a commissioner since 2002 and runs on North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco’s ticket; Arroyo was elected in 2023 on a ticket headed by West New York Mayor Albio Sires.

Vega served as a freeholder, mayor, and assemblyman.  He ran for an open State Senate seat in 2007 with the endorsement of the Hudson County Democratic Committee, but lost to Union City Mayor/Assemblyman Brian P. Stack by a 77%-23% margin.

“Under my leadership, every municipality in Hudson is united in support of Mikie Sherrill, and the HCDO has seen a surge of energy and commitment unlike anything in recent cycles. In the final stretch before Election Day, I’m proud to say our headquarters are buzzing — with new volunteers signing up daily, phone banks packed, and teams hitting the streets across Hudson County to make sure Mikie Sherrill is our next governor,” said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, the Democratic county chairman.  “The enthusiasm for Mikie’s candidacy throughout the county is undeniable and growing by the day. It was on full display at yesterday’s parade, where tens of thousands of people turned out — and everywhere we walked, people came up to Mikie to thank her and offer their support.”

This story was updated at 2:43 PM on October 6 with comment from Guy.