Hoboken is gearing up for some major political changes, and things are starting to get interesting.
With Mayor Ravi Bhalla looking to jump from city leadership to a seat in the New Jersey state Assembly, the door is wide open for a new mayor in 2025.
Councilwoman-at-Large Emily Jabbour seems more than ready to step up to the plate and take on that challenge.
So, what’s next for Hoboken? Let’s break it down.
- Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla is expected to run for a state Assembly seat in New Jersey’s 32nd District, supported by Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop.
- Councilwoman Emily Jabbour is preparing to run for mayor in 2025, with strong backing from Bhalla and other key figures in Hoboken politics.
- Other potential candidates for mayor include Councilmembers Mike Russo, Tiffanie Fisher, and Ruben Ramos, setting the stage for an exciting race.
Bhalla Sets His Sights on the State Assembly
Ravi Bhalla has made a name for himself during his time as Hoboken’s mayor.
But now, he’s looking to take his leadership skills to the state level.
Bhalla is expected to run for the state Assembly seat in New Jersey’s 32nd District, a position that’s opening up because the current Assemblyman, John Allen (who used to be Bhalla’s chief of staff), won’t be running again.
And Bhalla’s not doing this alone—he’s planning to run alongside Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez with the backing of Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop.
This is all part of Fulop’s team for the upcoming June 2025 primary.
Bhalla’s goal is clear: he’s ready to step up from Hoboken and make a bigger impact statewide.
With his experience and leadership skills, he’s definitely a strong contender for this seat.
This means Bhalla won’t be running for a third term as mayor of Hoboken, which opens the door for new leadership in the city.
But don’t worry—he’s already throwing his support behind Emily Jabbour, who’s gearing up to take his place.
Jabbour Prepares for a Mayoral Run in 2025
Emily Jabbour, a two-term Councilwoman-at-Large, is no stranger to Hoboken politics.
And now, she’s getting ready to step into the spotlight as she prepares to run for mayor in 2025.
While she hasn’t made an official announcement just yet, her recent email inviting supporters to a fundraiser pretty much says it all—she’s ready to go for it.
In that email, Jabbour talked about how excited she is for the future and how proud she is of the work she’s done on the City Council over the past seven years.
She’s focused on getting things done, and she’s been a big advocate for issues like making streets safer, improving services for Hoboken residents, and supporting local causes.
And she’s not alone in this—Bhalla has been singing her praises, calling her a trusted partner in government and saying she’s always been there for the people of Hoboken.
That’s some serious backing!
Jabbour’s event wasn’t just about her future mayoral run, though.
She also talked about the upcoming national election, specifically her focus on supporting Kamala Harris for president in 2024.
Jabbour is dedicated to making sure Harris gets elected, and after that, she’ll be ready to fully focus on her 2025 campaign for mayor.
At her fundraiser, Jabbour clarified that she’s not about political drama or making a big show—she’s all about real leadership and actually making things happen.
That’s the energy she’s bringing to the mayoral race, and her supporters seem more than ready to get behind her.
A Competitive Mayoral Race in 2025
Now, just because Jabbour is stepping up early doesn’t mean she’s going to have an easy road to the mayor’s office.
The Hoboken mayoral election in 2025 is shaping up to be competitive, and she’s not likely to be the only candidate in the race.
We’re looking at potential runs from 3rd Ward Councilman Mike Russo, 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, and 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos.
Each of these council members has their own ideas for how to lead Hoboken, and they’re all experienced politicians who’ve been serving the city for years.
Russo, for instance, has been all about supporting local businesses and boosting the economy.
Fisher and Ramos have each been focused on improving their wards and tackling community issues head-on.
So, if they all decide to run, Hoboken voters are going to have plenty of options to choose from, each with their own vision for the city’s future.
But for now, Jabbour’s early entry and strong support from Bhalla definitely give her an edge as the race starts to take shape.
Jabbour’s Vision for Hoboken’s Future
At her recent event, Jabbour took some time to reflect on her journey in public service and thank the people who’ve supported her so far.
She also praised Mayor Bhalla for his accomplishments during his time in office, such as implementing Hoboken’s “Vision Zero” plan to eliminate traffic deaths and making Hoboken a “Fair and Welcoming City.”
Jabbour is all about making real changes, and she’s made it clear that she’s not interested in the political performance some people put on.
In her words, leadership isn’t about slamming your hands on the table or making a lot of noise—it’s about showing up, doing the work, and making a difference behind the scenes.
She shared some fun stories at the event, like one from a fellow council member who recalled how Jabbour once confronted someone for parking in a dangerous spot near kids.
It was a lighthearted moment, but it really showed her passion for keeping the community safe and standing up for what’s right.
Right now, Jabbour is focused on the 2024 election and supporting Kamala Harris, but she’s made it clear she’s ready for whatever comes in 2025.
“I can’t wait to see what 2025 is gonna bring,” she said with a smile.
What’s Next for Hoboken?
With Bhalla looking to move up to the state Assembly and Jabbour preparing for her mayoral run, the city is in for some exciting political changes.
The 2025 mayoral race is already heating up, and with other council members likely to enter the race, it will be a competitive and dynamic election.
Jabbour has a strong track record of getting things done and a clear vision for Hoboken’s future, but she’ll have to face off against experienced leaders like Russo, Fisher, and Ramos.
Hoboken voters will have some big decisions to make as the city looks toward the future, and it’ll be interesting to see how they all play out.
One thing’s for sure—Hoboken’s political scene is far from boring!
Keep an eye on this race because it will be one to watch.
