Booker backs Cruz, Veliky in Passaic

U.S. Senator Cory Booker is taking sides in a contested primary for Passaic County Commissioner, backing incumbent Orlando Cruz and his running mate, Nick Veliky, in the June 2 Democratic primary.

“Nick Veliky and Orlando Cruz have shown a strong commitment to serving their communities and bringing people together to get things done,” said Booker.  “They understand the challenges families face and are focused on building stronger, more connected communities.”

Both have the endorsement of the Passaic County Democratic organization.  Booker is also backing Surrogate Zoila Cassanova for re-election; she has no primary opponent.

Veliky, the president of the Clifton Democratic Club, is seeking the open seat of Commissioner Bruce James, who opted not to seek re-election.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill and former Lt. Governor Tahesha Way are also endorsing the organization slate.

Ali Aljarrah, a senior advisor for CAIR Action NJ, is challenging Cruz and Veliky in the primary.  Aljarrah captured the endorsement of U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders last week.

Booker, who is unopposed in the Democratic primary, also has the Democratic organization endorsement in Passaic and shares the same slogan as Veliky and Cruz.