Most Paterson councilmembers endorse Wimberly, Abdelaziz and Cruz in 35th

Seven of the nine members of the Paterson City Council have endorsed State Sen. Benjie Wimberly (D-Paterson), Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz (D-Paterson), and Passaic County Commissioner Orlando Cruz in the 35th district Democratic primary.

Council President Alex Mendez (3rd Ward), Councilman Shahin Khalique (2nd Ward), Councilman Luis Velez (5th Ward), Councilman Ibrahim Omar (6th Ward), and At-Large Councilmembers Maritza Davila, Dr. Lilisa Mimms, and Md Forid Uddin have signed on as supporters of the three party-backed candidates.

“Our city needs leaders in Trenton who don’t just talk about Paterson—they fight for it,” said Mendez. “Senator Wimberly, Assemblyman Abdelaziz, and Commissioner Cruz have proven they are committed to delivering results for our families.”

Wimberly is unopposed in his bid for the unexpired term of Nellie Pou (D-North Haledon), who left the Senate following her election to Congress.  Wimberly, a longtime assemblyman, won a special election for Senate in January, defeating Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (D-Paterson), by one vote.  Abdelaziz captured Wimberly’s seat.

After a series of setbacks, Sumter decided not to seek re-election to the Assembly,  Cruz, a Passaic County Commissioner, is seeking her seat.  Abdelaziz and Cruz faces primary challenges from Newark Corporation Counsel Kenyatta Stewart and former Garfield Councilman Romi Herrera.

“This is about being consistent,” Davila stated. “This team has shown up for Paterson- now it’s time for us to show up for them because ‘Consistency Matters’”.

Mimms praised the strong record of service of Wimberly, Abdelaziz and Cruz.

“They’ve stood up for education, working families, and seniors—and that’s the leadership we need,” she said.

Stewart said that some of the councilmembers were pressured to endorse the organization candidates.

“Some of them are going to vote for me,” Stewart said.  “The days of electing people because they’re somebody’s friend is over.  They want someone who is qualified.  People want real substance.”