Sherrill takes sides in Bloomfield council primary

Gov. Mikie Sherrill is backing the organization candidates for three ward council seats in Bloomfield, putting her on the opposite side of U.S. Senator Andy Kim, Rep. Analilia Mejia (D-Glen Ridge), and State Sen. Britnee Timberlake (D-East Orange).

Sherrill is backing two incumbents, Rosalee Gonzalez in the First Ward and Sarah Cruz in the Third Ward, along with Jason Martinez, who is seeking an open Second Ward seat.  Kim, Mejia, and Timberlake are backing their opponents: Stefanie Santiago (First Ward), Greg Babula (Second Ward), and Stef Bootwala (Third Ward).

“All three believe in good government that puts Bloomfield residents front and center — fixing roads, cleaning up parks, improving public safety, and modernizing the town’s communication and transparency with residents,” said Sherrill.  “This is an exciting team that represents the innovation and rich diversity of Bloomfield and will serve residents with responsive, responsible leadership.”

The organization slate is backed by Assemblyman Michael Venezia, the Bloomfield Democratic municipal chairman, and Mayor Jenny Mundell.  Cruz is Venezia’s chief of staff, and Martinez, the Essex County Youth Services director, was an aide to Venezia.

Sherrill won Bloomfield four times in her congressional races, and in the 2025 Democratic gubernatorial primary, she carried the township with 42% in a six-candidate race, running 14 points ahead of the second-place contender.

Gonzalez faces Santiago in a rematch of the 2025 primary for a one-year unexpired term, which Gonzalez won by 229 votes, 56%-44%.

In the Second Ward, where Councilman Nick Joanow, 80, is not seeking re-election after 18 years in office, the field includes Martinez, Babula, and newcomer Paul Bonica.

Cruz faces Bootwala in the Third Ward.

Gonzalez, Martinez, and Cruz said they were running “to ensure fair representation, continuous infrastructure improvements, and open communication for every neighborhood.”

“Real work isn’t about political theater; it’s about having a transparent, verifiable record of delivering for the community,” the three candidates said in a joint statement. “Whether passing proactive legislation on the council or managing vital public programs at the county level, our team is unified by the same core values. Our strength lies in our diversity, which allows us to reflect and advocate for the equitable interests of all Bloomfield families.”