Hudson sheriff locks up party support for 5th term

Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari has a clear path at a fifth term after receiving the endorsement of the Hudson County Democratic Organization.

Schillari, 75,  has also received the endorsement of Hudson County Executive Thomas DeGise and the mayors of all twelve Hudson municipalities.

“Under Sheriff Schillari’s leadership, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office has invested in innovative 21st century policing to keep our communities safe and ensure accountability within our law enforcement system,” said Amy DeGise, the Democratic county chair.  “He has a proven track record of public service as a veteran and police officer, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with him to protect our communities.”

That means Schillari won’t become collateral damage in any political deal involving the 2023 cycle.  He has the backing of two Democratic state senators, North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Union City Mayor Brian Stack, who might face each other in a primary next year after redistricting put the two of them into the same district.

Schillari was elected in 2010 when Hudson County Democrats dumped incumbent Juan M. Perez from the organization line and endorsed him.  Perez switched parties and ran as a Republican, but lost to Schillari by 28,100 votes, 65%-32%.

Perez returned to public office in 2014, winning a seat on the Bayonne City Council.  He is seeking his third term in the May 2022 general election.