Palisades Park Dems back their mayor for open Assembly seat

Palisades Park Mayor Christopher Chung has won the unanimous backing of his hometown Democratic organization for his State Assembly bid in the 37th district.

Chung is seeking the open seat created by the State Senate candidacy of the districts’ two Assembly incumbents.

“As a first generation American whose parents left Korea for a better future and as the first Korean American elected mayor in Bergen County, Chris understands diversity is the foundation of our country and will fight against racism and prejudices of all kinds,” said James Rotondo, the Democratic municipal chairman.

So far, only Chung and Teaneck Democratic Municipal Chair Alexandra Soriano-Taveras are in the race for the Assembly seat.

Soriano-Taveras has won the endorsement of her hometown Democratic Party.

Assemblymembers Gordon Johnson and Valerie Vainieri Huttle are facing off for the Senate opening triggered last month by Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg’s retirement.

There could be two open seats, if Johnson and Vainieri Huttle take their fight to the Bergen County Democratic convention in March or to the June primary.

Chung has been in local office for 12 years, first as a councilman and since 2019 as mayor.  He defeated Rotondo, then the incumbent, in the 2018 Democratic primary.

“Chris has shown himself to be an outstanding leader, willing to take on the challenges facing our community with compassion and empathy,” Rotondo said.  “Chris will strongly advocate for education, keeping our communities safe, and fight for property relief.”