James Solomon backs Bhalla and Brennan for Assembly

James Solomon, the downtown Jersey City councilman and mayoral candidate who wields considerable influence among progressive voters, is taking sides in the 32nd district Democratic primary and endorsing Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and former Murphy administration official Katie Brennan for State Assembly.

“Katie and Ravi are proven leaders who will shake up Trenton. They’re running to serve the people, not the party bosses,” Soliman stated.  “This is a historic moment for New Jersey.  For the first time in our lifetimes, the voters will get to decide who represents them in the state house, so we’re taking our message straight to the people.”

With the Jersey City non-partisan election not until November, Solomon pledged to put his own political organization behind the two Assembly candidates in the June 10 Democratic primary.  That allows him to test his grassroots group five months before he needs them to perform.

Solomon said that Bhalla’s eight years as mayor of Hoboken is a model for a mayor who’s not part of the Hudson Democratic clubhouse.

“If you want to see what strong, independent leadership looks like, just look at what Ravi Bhalla has done in Hoboken,” he stated. “Under his watch, Hoboken has become a model for safe streets and climate resiliency. That’s because Ravi leads with values, brings people together, and he doesn’t shy away from tough fights. He’s shown that when you put people ahead of politics, you can get amazing things done. Ravi is exactly the type of leader you want in your corner, and he’ll do a great job fighting for us in the Assembly.”

And Solomon said he’s worked with Brennan for years.

“I’ve seen up close how she’s already improved housing policy without even holding elected office,” Solomon said. “When the council needed guidance on strengthening our inclusionary zoning law, Katie was there with real solutions.”

“What’s even more impressive is that my colleagues at City Hall regularly turn to Katie when someone reaches out with a housing crisis — not because it’s her job, but because she’s the go-to expert who gets results,” Solomon explained.  “Katie doesn’t just talk about affordable housing, she rolls up her sleeves and does the hard work to make it happen.”

Bhalla and Brennan face four other Democrats: incumbent Jessica Ramirez (D-Jersey City) and Jersey City Councilman Yousef Saleh, who have the backing of Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, a candidate for governor; and Hoboken Library Director Jennie Pu and Jersey City public safety staffer Crystal Fonseca, who were endorsed by the Hudson County Democratic Organization.