Brennan, Bhalla announce legislative staff

Assemblywoman Katie Brennan (D-Jersey City) and Assemblyman Ravi Bhalla (D-Hoboken) announced their staff on Tuesday morning. 

Andrew Fenwick will serve as chief of staff for Brennan, and Justin Ramos will be chief of staff for Bhalla, the districtmates announced. Michelle Guengue will serve as district director, Javier Perez as legislative director for both members, and Ethan Block as digital communications specialist.

“This is a team that has deep roots in our community and real experience in government,” Brennan said in the release. “We really want this office to set the standard when it comes to constituent services and leading on the issues that matter most. The people of Jersey City and Hoboken deserve nothing less, and I know that everyone here is ready to deliver.”

Brennan and Bhalla won a crowded primary in the 32nd legislative district without the support of county parties; instead, they touted their independence from the parties during the campaign.

Fenwick most recently worked as Jersey City’s sustainability manager and previously worked for former Assemblyman and current Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora. Ramos, born and raised in New Jersey, most recently worked as an aide for Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL).

“I’m excited to be working with such an incredibly talented team,” Bhalla said. “Everyone here brings a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to this office. We want to make Jersey City and Hoboken proud from day one.”

Guengue is a Jersey City native and a longtime organizer with the Democratic Socialists of America. She managed Joel Brooks’ and Jake Ephros’ successful campaigns for the Jersey City Council.

Block, a short-form video specialist, has worked with Senator Andrew Zwicker, Andy Kim for New Jersey, Altman for Congress, and Malinowski for New Jersey. Perez previously worked for the New Jersey Dental Association and the Rutgers Office of Federal Relations.