A coalition of Hudson County Democratic officials released a list of endorsed candidates for the June 2, 2026, Democratic primary election, covering the county register position and each seat on the Hudson County Board of Commissioners.
Backing for the ticket comes from most Hudson County mayors, every member of the county’s legislative delegation, U.S. Representative Rob Menendez (D-8), County Executive Craig Guy, Sheriff Jimmy Davis, and Hudson County Clerk E. Junior Maldonado. The announcement circulated through a statement issued by a spokesperson for Jersey City Mayor James Solomon.
The endorsed slate was organized through discussions among local officials connected to the Hudson County Democratic Organization, led by Chairman Craig Guy.
Key Takeaways
- Democratic leaders across Hudson County endorsed Jeffery Dublin for county register and candidates in all nine commissioner districts ahead of the June 2, 2026, Democratic primary.
- Support for the slate comes from most county mayors, the nine-member county legislative delegation, U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8), County Executive Craig Guy, Sheriff Jimmy Davis, and Clerk E. Junior Maldonado.
- Several races involve new candidates or open seats, including Districts 3, 5, and 9, while District 4 may have a contested primary.
Jeffery Dublin Endorsed For Another Term As County Register
The countywide portion of the slate supports Jeffery Dublin for another five-year term as Hudson County register.
Dublin faces Mellisa Alexander in the Democratic primary, the same opponent he defeated in 2021. Earlier this month, he submitted more than 1,000 nomination petitions ahead of the filing deadline.
County Executive Craig Guy, who also serves as Hudson County Democratic Chair, explained that his approach since assuming party leadership has been to increase participation in the organization and present candidates who represent the county’s diversity and common priorities.
Guy expressed appreciation for the involvement of Mayors Brian Stack, Doyle, James Solomon, and Emily Jabbour, along with other elected officials who helped assemble the slate. He also stated that county residents need representatives prepared to oppose policies associated with MAGA Republicans while cooperating to keep Hudson County safe and affordable for families. Guy said the slate would strengthen working relationships among federal, state, county, and municipal officials.
Candidates Selected For All Nine Commissioner Districts
The endorsement list includes one candidate in each of the nine Hudson County commissioner districts:
- District 1 — Kenny Kopacz
- District 2 — Bill O’Dea
- District 3 — Pamela Johnson
- District 4 — Yraida Aponte-Lipski
- District 5 — Ron Bautista
- District 6 — Fanny Cedeño
- District 7 — Caridad Rodríguez
- District 8 — Robert Baselice
- District 9 — Alex Valdez
Several current commissioners are included in the ticket and are running for another term. Those incumbents include Kenny Kopacz (D-1), Bill O’Dea (D-2), Yraida Aponte-Lipski (D-4), Fanny Cedeño (D-6), Caridad Rodriguez (D-7), and Bob Baselice (D-8).
Local officials described the group as a historically diverse and progressive collection of candidates whose campaigns center on affordability and everyday concerns affecting Hudson County residents.
District 4 Incumbent May Face Primary Opposition
Among the incumbents on the slate, District 4 Commissioner Yraida Aponte-Lipski appears the most likely to encounter a primary opponent.
Patrick Ambrossi, a former Jersey City Ward D council candidate, filed to run before the 4 p.m. filing deadline. His candidacy followed the withdrawal of Democratic Socialists of America member David Guirgis from the contest.
Pamela Johnson Selected As The Endorsed Candidate In District 3
The endorsement decision in District 3 followed earlier discussion about possible support for Commissioner Celeste Williams.
Assemblyman Jerry Walker (D-31) had previously indicated he wanted to back Williams for a full term on the board. The consensus candidate became Pamela Johnson, the executive director of the Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County.
Johnson announced her candidacy in February, with several elected officials backing her campaign at that time.
Ron Bautista Gains Support In District 5 As Romano Appears Unlikely To Run
The District 5 race developed after Board of Commissioners Chair Anthony Romano (D-5) appeared unlikely to pursue another term.
The endorsed candidate for the district is Ron Bautista, who previously challenged Romano in 2020 and 2023. Bautista now has support from many local Democratic organizations.
District 9 Opens As Commissioner Al Cifelli Retires
Another change occurs in District 9, where Commissioner Al Cifelli is stepping down from the board.
Alex Valdez, who ran against Cifelli in 2023, has the backing of the elected officials announcing the slate and is viewed as the likely successor.
Mina Elkadious, president of the Kearny Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA), also filed for the race with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (NJ ELEC).
The endorsement announcement also thanked Celeste Williams, Anthony Romano, and Albert Cifelli for their service to Hudson County residents.
Three Mayors Did Not Join The Endorsement Announcement
While the slate received support from most local leaders, three Hudson County mayors did not sign the endorsement list:
- North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco
- East Newark Mayor Dina Grillo
- Harrison Mayor James Fife
Other mayors across the county participated in the coalition backing the candidates.
Democratic Officials Describe Priorities For Hudson County Government
Congressman Rob Menendez (D-8), who is also seeking re-election with party support in the June 2 primary, expressed support for the slate and referenced the need for strong representation across different levels of government. He also stated that the candidates represent the diversity of Hudson County and that he intends to campaign alongside them while continuing work with County Executive Craig Guy and the Board of Commissioners.
State Senator Brian Stack (D-33), who also serves as Mayor of Union City, described plans to work continuously to bring voters to the polls on Election Day and referenced his focus on constituent services and advocacy for residents.
Jersey City Mayor James Solomon described the slate as a historically diverse and progressive group of candidates focused on affordability for working families. Solomon also credited cooperation between County Executive Craig Guy and Mayor Brian Stack for bringing the ticket together.
Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour expressed support for the slate and for Ron Bautista, referencing shared priorities that include infrastructure investment, safer streets, and stronger cooperation between Hoboken and Hudson County government.
Hudson County Clerk E. Junior Maldonado described the election of officials from different Democratic factions, including moderate and progressive members, as part of Hudson County’s political system. Maldonado stated that candidates bring varied perspectives to policymaking and work to address residents’ needs through local government services in Hudson County, New Jersey.
