A major New Jersey health care union endorsed Bill O’Dea as mayor of Jersey City.
District 1199J, National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees cited O’Dea’s support for labor unions in the state and said the commissioner would make Jersey City more equitable and just.
“We in District 1199J have pledged our support to you and your campaign to bring about a successful victory in November 2025 and wish you well in your effort,” 1199J President Susan Cleary said in a release. “You can certainly count on us to assist you in any way we can.”
O’Dea thanked the union, which represents more than 10,000 health care workers in the state.
“I have worked with 1199J for three decades, from stopping efforts at union busting at the Jersey City Medical Center, to ensuring that they get fair contracts from the County,” O’Dea said. “I have always appreciated the strong working relationship I have had with the leadership and management of 1199J and I look forward to bringing their membership into the fold and activating their organizing power to lead the ‘Our City. Our Choice.’ slate to victory.”
O’Dea is one of four filed candidates for next year’s Jersey City mayoral election. A top competitor will be former Gov. Jim McGreevey, who served as mayor of Woodbridge Township before his election to the governor’s mansion.
A major teachers union endorsed O’Dea in January, as well as two Teamsters locals in November. The Laborers’ and Carpenters unions endorsed McGreevey last fall.