Cirillo files for rematch with Sires in West New York

Former West New York Commissioner Cosmo Cirillo has filed paperwork with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission to challenge Mayor Albio Sires in next year’s municipal election, setting up a rematch of their 2023 contest.

Sires, a former congressman who returned to local government after 16 years in Washington, defeated Cirillo three years ago in a landslide, as his slate swept all five seats on the West New York Board of Commissioners.

Cirillo’s candidacy means the political organization of former North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco could find itself fighting on two fronts next year: regaining influence in West New York while defending its longtime political base in North Bergen.

The filing comes amid a generational transition in North Bergen, where Sacco is retiring after 35 years as mayor and turning over the reins of township government to longtime ally Hugo Cabrera.

On Wednesday, Cabrera became North Bergen’s first Hispanic mayor, a milestone in a municipality where about 71% of residents are Hispanic or Latino, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sacco’s son, Nicholas Sacco, Jr., is also slated to join the Board of Commissioners, filling the seat his father vacated.  They were sworn in at the Nicholas Sacco Junior High School.

But the new administration could face an immediate electoral test.

Assemblyman Larry Wainstein (D-North Bergen), who challenged Sacco in three previous municipal elections, could run for mayor again next year, this time against Cabrera.

In the 2023 West New York election, Sires’ ticket received 61% of the vote to 39% for Cirillo’s slate. Cirillo, then an eight-year incumbent, ran with Commissioner Margarita Guzman, Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez, Walter Lopez and Hiram Gonzalez.  None won seats.

Sires had the backing of Union City Mayor Brian Stack and the Hudson County Democratic organization, making the contest part of a broader struggle for political influence in Hudson County. Cirillo was a longtime Sacco aide and had his support against Sires.