Hudson Democrats flip from Gottheimer to Sherrill in governor’s race

A group of powerful Hudson County Democratic leaders switched their endorsements in the Democratic gubernatorial primary from Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly) to Rep. Mike Sherrill (D-Montclair), resetting the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy.

County Executive/Democratic County Chairman Craig Guy, Union City Mayor/State Sen. Brian P. Stack, Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis, and West New York Mayor Albio Sires had said in July that Gottheimer would be their candidate, but changing circumstances caused them to flip to Sherrill.  Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle is also supporting Sherrill, along with Hudson County Democratic Vice Chair Marielka Diaz.

“A lot of things have happened since the summer, and backing Mikie is the right thing to do for Hudson County,” Stack said.  “She has shown up at our events, even after we selected another candidate, and I respect that.  Mikie Sherrill will be a great governor for Hudson and for all of New Jersey.”

In a joint statement, the group said that after Donald Trump’s victory, “we immediately determined that it was more important than ever to make sure we were listening to Democratic voices throughout the county in helping to set the direction for the party.”

“It’s clear that Mikie Sherrill is the strongest Democratic candidate to win the primary and beat the Republican nominee in November, the Democrats said. “Mikie is tough as nails and her story clearly connects with voters in Hudson County and across the state. Mikie has already stood on the front lines and proven she won’t run when times are difficult.”

The switch has been coming for several months.  In November, Guy pointedly attended Sherrill’s reception at the League of Municipalities convention in Atlantic City and then skipped a breakfast hosted by Gottheimer the following morning.

“We know her only focus every day will be on the issues that matter most to residents in  New Jersey–housing affordability for home owners and renters, public education, and expanding access to open spaces and parks,” the joint statement said.  “After numerous discussions with Congresswoman Sherrill, we feel confident in her commitment to urban centers.”

Initially, Guy had been expected to back Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop for governor.

The split between Guy and Fulop came days after the county chairman election when he spurned Fulop’s request for an endorsement.  Fulop responded with a public statement that four Democratic members of the Hudson County Democratic Assembly delegation, along with Sheriff Frank Schillari, would turn down the organization slogan and run with him.

The shift comes as the Hudson County Democratic organization faces a serious primary fight with Fulop and others in a contest likely to be fought without a line and the preferential ballot position that came with it.

In the 31st district, Assemblyman William Sampson (D-Bayonne) and Hudson County Commissioner Jerry Walker will run with party support; Assemblywoman Barbara Stamato (D-Jersey City) is running with Fulop.

There is a crowded field on Assembly candidates in the 32nd district, where Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, former Murphy administration official Katie Brennan, Hoboken Public Library Director Jenny Pu,  and Jersey City Public Safety Department manager Crystal Fonseca are running; Pu and Fonseca will have the HCDO backing.  Assemblyman John Allen (D-Hoboken) is not seeking re-election.  Ramirez will share Fulop’s ballot slogan.

A war between Stack and North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco has led to a fight in the 33rd district.  Stack and the HCDO are backing Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez (D-West New York) and North Bergen businessman Larry Wainstein, while Assemblyman Julio Marenco (D-North Bergen), a Sacco ally, will run on the Fulop slate.

Davis is expected to take on Schillari in the Democratic primary.

Stack, the GOTV King, is among the few officials in the state who can deliver large pluralities just by asking voters to vote a certain way.

Sherrill and Stack have met multiple times after the four-term congresswoman pursued support in Hudson County even after the initial Gottheimer endorsement.  Guy has also held several meetings with Sherrill.