Palisades Park mayor prevails in primary challenge

Palisades Park Mayor Chong “Paul Kim” has won the Democratic primary for another term, beating back a challenge from Councilman Suk “John” Min.  

Kim leads with 770-560, a 58%-42% margin.

He will go on to face former Republican councilwoman Stephanie Jung, who was nearly elected mayor two years ago, only for a judge to allegedly interfere in her election.

Four years ago, Kim ousted incumbent Chris Chung in the Democratic primary.  Chung had become the borough’s first Korean American mayor in 2018 when he beat an incumbent in the Democratic primary. 

Palisades Park is a light blue Democratic town. Kamala Harris carried Palisades Park by 6 points in 2024.