Sacco endorses Stack for Senate

State Sen. Nicholas Sacco (D-North Bergen) formally announced his retirement from the State Senate seat he’s held since ousting a three-term incumbent in the 1993 Democratic primary and endorsed Brian Stack (D-Union City) for reelection.

Sacco and Stack were placed in the same district last week after a new map was approved by the Apportionment Commission.

“Although I had planned to announce that I will not seek re-election to the State Senate in my own time at a later date, it’s important to send a clear message now that Hudson County Democrats will remain united and to put any speculation about a divisive and unnecessary primary next year to rest,” Sacco said in a statement released on Thursday morning.

Sacco said that Stack shares his commitment to public service “and making government work for people, and he understands the demands of municipal government and the need for state government to deliver for our residents.”

“Now that North Bergen is in the 33rd district, I can’t think of a better person to represent our community than Brian Stack,” he said.  “Knowing that Brian will be there to fight for North Bergen and the entire district makes this endorsement an easy decision.”

In turn, Stack praised Sacco’s career and committed to back his longtime colleague for re-election as mayor of North Bergen in May 2023.

“Nick Sacco is one of the most important leaders in our Democratic Party and I greatly value his experience, his judgment and his friendship,” Stack stated. “By making this announcement, Senator Sacco is demonstrating his steadfast dedication to the people of Hudson County and to our Democratic Party. I appreciate his endorsement very much, and I plan to fully support him and his team in their local re-election campaign next year in North Bergen.”

Stack and Sacco criticized the treatment of Hudson County in legislative redistricting, with West Hudson municipalities being split up.

“If anyone thought that they could weaken Hudson County by attempting to divide and conquer us they were sadly mistaken,” Sacco said.

“Thanks to Nick Sacco’s selfless decision, Hudson County Democrats have never been more united,” said Stack.