Desmond will challenge Davis for Democratic municipal chair

Calling the decision to dump Assembly Majority Whip Nicholas Chiaravalloti (D-Bayonne) from the Democratic organization line “egregious,” former Bayonne Councilwoman Mary Jane Desmond will challenge Mayor Jimmy Davis for Democratic municipal chair.

“After years of Bayonne and Hudson County working back into a leadership role at the state level, this novice decision may hugely impact Bayonne’s financial future,” Desmond said.

Davis is expected to face a challenge from City Council President Sharon Nadrowski when he seeks a third term as mayor next year, and Desmond’s candidacy might test the strength of anti-Davis factions among Bayonne’s 102-member Demcoratic County Committee.

Desmond, a local fixture for years and a former acting Hudson County Clerk, complained that the Davis didn’t mount any noticeable ground game for Democrats in recent general elections.

“ I will bring fresh and progressive leadership to the party.  There will be more work to support local, statewide and national elections and I believe working with young voters and new residents to engage them in the democratic process should be prioritized,” she said.  “I will recruit and endorse candidates who are real Democrats.

In a clear shot at Davis’ selection of a political unknown, William Samson, for the Assembly seat, Desmond promised to “introduce a screening process in order to guarantee the most qualified residents represent Bayonne.”