Former Lt. Governor and Secretary of State Tahesha Way has endorsed of Nick Veliky and Orlando Cruz for Passaic County Commissioner and Surrogate Zoila Cassanova for re-election in the upcoming Democratic primary.
“Nick Veliky, Orlando Cruz, and Zoila Cassanova understand the importance of public service and delivering real results for working families,” said Way, a former Passaic County freeholder director. “They are focused on affordability, strong communities, and making sure county government continues to serve residents with professionalism and transparency. I’m proud to support them.”
Veliky and Cruz face a serious challenge in the June Democratic primary from Ali Aljarrah, a senior advisor for CAIR Action NJ. Aljarrah captured the endorsement of U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders last week.
Cruz is an incumbent, and Veliky, the president of the Clifton Democratic Club, is seeking the open seat of retiring County Commissioner Bruce James Gov. Mikie Sherrill and the Passaic County Democratic organization are backing them.
Way served as Secretary of State under Gov. Phil Murphy from 2018 to 2026, and became lieutenant governor after Sheila Oliver died in 2023. She sought the Democratic nomination for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th district in a February 5 special election for Sherrill’s open seat.
“Lieutenant Governor Way has always been a champion for Passaic County families and communities,” added Cruz. “We’re grateful for her confidence in our team.”