Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla announces his run for Congress, challenging Rep. Rob Menendez for New Jersey’s Eighth District.
Both candidates have significant support and controversies, making this a highly anticipated primary election.
- Ravi Bhalla, Hoboken’s Mayor, is running for New Jersey’s Eighth Congressional District seat, challenging current Rep. Rob Menendez.
- Both candidates have strong endorsements and significant controversies, including Menendez’s connection to his father’s federal corruption charges.
- The primary election in June will likely determine the winner of the heavily Democratic district.
Who Is Ravi Bhalla?
Ravi Bhalla, who has served as Mayor of Hoboken since 2018, has announced his candidacy for Congress, aiming to represent New Jersey’s eighth congressional district.
Bhalla, born and raised in New Jersey, has lived in Hoboken for 22 years. He served eight years on the city council before being elected mayor in November 2017.
Since becoming mayor, Bhalla has implemented policies to address climate issues and municipal taxes.
In 2019, he signed the City’s Climate Action Plan, introducing initiatives like a composting drop-off, banning plastic bags and Styrofoam, and providing recyclable electricity for municipal buildings.
These actions earned him respect from Hoboken residents and led to his re-election in 2021. As he campaigns for Congress, Bhalla aims to implement similar policies on a larger scale.
The Primary Election and Bhalla’s Main Opponent
Bhalla will face current district representative Robert Menendez Jr. in the Democratic primary. Both candidates have secured endorsements from prominent leaders and activists.
Menendez has the support of council members Ruben Ramos and Tiffanie Fisher. Fisher, a former Hoboken Democratic chairwoman and Bhalla’s critic on the city council praised Menendez for his accessibility and dedication to serving constituents.
On the other hand, Bhalla is backed by Councilman Joe Quintero, who highlighted Bhalla’s commitment to women’s reproductive rights, democracy, and combating racism.
Bhalla, the son of Sikh Indian immigrants, has personally faced racism and injustice, which fuels his desire to tackle these issues in Congress.
Controversies Surrounding Both Candidates
The primary election in June will be crucial, as the winner is expected to secure the seat in November, given the district’s strong Democratic-leaning. Both candidates have faced controversies.
Menendez Sr. faced federal corruption charges last year, but this has not hindered his son’s endorsements.
Bhalla received support from David Ocampo Grajales, who advocates for defunding the police, a stance seen as controversial by some.
Menendez criticized Bhalla in December 2023, claiming Bhalla’s campaign was a reaction to losing control of the Hoboken city council and a lack of political future in Hoboken.
Bhalla, in turn, accused the Menendez family of self-serving policies.
Bhalla’s Congressional Campaign and Vision
In his campaign announcement, Bhalla emphasized the need for change and focused on key issues such as environmental protection, reproductive rights, and health care.
He referenced the Menendez family’s controversial history, stating, “I believe that America is better than the demagogues who seek to divide us or the politicians who strive only to serve themselves.”
Bhalla, a former civil rights attorney, would be the first turbaned Sikh elected to Congress and only the second Sikh in the nation’s capital.
During his 2017 mayoral campaign, he faced racist attack mailers labeling him a terrorist, showcasing the discrimination he has endured and his determination to fight against it.
The Importance of the June 4 Primary Election
The primary election on June 4, 2024, will be a decisive moment for New Jersey’s eighth district.
With both candidates deeply committed to improving their community, the outcome will shape the district’s future.
New Jersey residents in District 8 are encouraged to participate in the election and make their voices heard.
