The 2025 New Jersey governor’s race isn’t solely focused on the state’s top job—it’s already reshaping local politics.
Bergen County, home to some of the most influential Democratic leaders, is seeing a major shake-up as gubernatorial candidate Steve Fulop supports new candidates for county commissioner positions.
This isn’t merely a local scuffle.
It’s part of a broader statewide strategy by Fulop to challenge entrenched leadership and drive change.
Here’s what’s happening and why it matters.
- Gubernatorial candidate Steve Fulop is backing new candidates for Bergen County commissioner seats, challenging the current Democratic leaders.
- Even though more than a dozen people are running for governor, a lack of local media coverage means many voters don’t know who they are.
- The governor’s race influences leadership contests at all levels, showing how state politics affect local decisions and priorities.
Steve Fulop’s Plan: Supporting New Faces in Bergen County
Steve Fulop, the mayor of Jersey City, has made it clear that his run for governor is focused on more than a personal victory.
He’s working to shake up New Jersey politics by supporting candidates in different races.
In Bergen County, he’s backing three challengers for commissioner seats:
- Chris Chung: The former mayor of Palisades Park who made history as the first Korean mayor in 2018. However, his tenure ended in controversy, including allegations of fiscal mismanagement, which damaged his reputation.
- John Vitale: A restaurateur who previously ran for an Assembly seat in the 38th District but lost.
- Dolores Witko: A former councilwoman from Closter who was part of the town’s first female-majority council.
Fulop’s slate faces the three current Democratic commissioners—Tom Sullivan, Mary Amoroso, and Germaine Ortiz—who are running for reelection.
These incumbents have been in office since the mid-2010s and tout a strong record of delivering for Bergen County families.
And their spokesperson dismissed the challengers as failed candidates with questionable track records.
What Makes Bergen County Important?
Bergen County is one of the biggest and most politically active areas in New Jersey.
It’s known for being a Democratic stronghold but has often seen tough political fights in local and county elections.
The commissioner race is important because it shows the bigger divide in the Democratic Party—between established leaders and new candidates promising change.
Steve Fulop’s support for new candidates makes things even more interesting.
By backing these challengers, he’s taking on the Democratic establishment and showing he wants to change leadership at the state level and across New Jersey.
The Crowded Governor’s Race — Who’s Running?
While Bergen County’s elections are gaining attention, the governor’s race is still the main focus.
With more than a dozen candidates running, it’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive elections in years.
Here’s a look at the top contenders:
Democrats:
- Steve Fulop: The Jersey City mayor with a slate of candidates at all levels.
- Ras Baraka: Newark’s mayor, known for his focus on urban development and community initiatives.
- Steve Sweeney: Former Senate president with extensive political experience.
- Josh Gottheimer: A North Jersey congressman who has already raised over $20 million.
- Mikie Sherrill: A congresswoman seen as a frontrunner due to her strong fundraising and endorsements.
Republicans:
- Jack Ciattarelli: The GOP’s 2021 candidate, who narrowly lost to Governor Phil Murphy and has continued campaigning ever since.
- Bill Spadea: A conservative radio host with strong support from Trump-aligned voters.
- Jon Bramnick: A moderate state senator who appeals to centrist Republicans and independents.
- Ed Durr: A state senator who gained fame for defeating a powerful Democratic leader in 2021.
Why Don’t NJ Voters Know These Candidates?
Here’s the surprising truth: even with so many candidates running, most New Jersey voters don’t know who they are.
Why is that?
New Jersey doesn’t have its own dedicated media market.
Instead, residents rely on New York and Philadelphia media, which rarely give much attention to local New Jersey elections.
And this lack of coverage makes it tough for candidates to gain visibility and connect with voters.
Even well-known contenders like Steve Fulop and Mikie Sherrill, with strong endorsements and large campaign funds, struggle to reach people across the state.
How Statewide Politics Influence Local Elections
New Jersey’s governor’s race often mirrors national political trends.
Historically, the state tends to elect governors from the opposite party of the sitting U.S. president.
If that pattern holds, Democrats might have an edge in 2025 as voters react to Republican leadership in Washington.
For Bergen County, the commissioner race is a clear example of how state and local politics are intertwined.
Fulop’s push to install his allies in key positions could reshape the political landscape of the whole state.
What to Watch as the Election Approaches
With less than a year before the June 2025 primary, state and local races are picking up steam.
Steve Fulop’s bold strategy to challenge the Democratic establishment in Bergen County could pay off—or it might backfire if voters prefer stability over change.
As Election Day draws closer, the key question remains: Will voters choose to shake things up, or will they stick with the familiar?
One thing is for sure—this is a pivotal moment for New Jersey politics, from the governor’s office to the Bergen County Board of Commissioners.
