Assemblywoman-elect Katie Brennan and former assistant state treasurer Dini Ajmani have endorsed Hoboken Councilwoman Emily Jabbour in the city’s December 2 mayoral runoff. Their support arrives as Jabbour faces Councilman Michael Russo in the final stage of the mayoral race.
- Katie Brennan endorsed Emily Jabbour for Hoboken mayor, pointing to her leadership, executive experience, and focus on affordability and transparency.
- Dini Ajmani, who earned about 13% of the vote in the first round, also endorsed Jabbour despite policy differences.
- Jabbour has over fifteen years of federal service, extensive community work in Hoboken, and serves on several City Council committees, including chairing Parking and Transportation.
Brennan’s Endorsement Strengthens Jabbour’s Position
Assemblywoman-elect Katie Brennan announced her support for Emily Jabbour on Monday, November 17. Brennan will represent the 32nd legislative district, which includes Hoboken and parts of Jersey City, beginning next year. She will serve alongside outgoing Hoboken Mayor and Assemblyman-elect Ravi Bhalla.
Brennan expressed confidence in Jabbour’s leadership and executive experience. She also described the December 2 election as presenting a clear choice for voters, linking her endorsement to priorities such as affordability, transparency, and leadership. Her backing follows her win in a crowded primary that included opponents supported by Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop and the Hudson County Democratic Organization.
Jabbour responded by expressing appreciation for Brennan’s support and connecting their shared belief in putting residents first, maintaining integrity in government, and working to keep the city affordable and thriving. The endorsement creates alignment between incoming state leadership and local leadership as the runoff approaches.
Ajmani’s Support Adds Voter Influence
Former assistant state treasurer Dini Ajmani, who finished fifth in the first round of the Hoboken mayoral election with about 13% of the vote, also endorsed Jabbour. Ajmani acknowledged that she and Jabbour differ on some policy positions but described Jabbour as hardworking and committed to serving Hoboken residents. She expressed hope that Jabbour assembles a strong team at City Hall.
Ajmani’s support brings in a segment of voters who backed her in the first round, adding another influence to Jabbour’s growing coalition.
Jabbour’s Professional Background and Local Work
Emily Jabbour was first elected to the Hoboken City Council in November 2017 and won re-election on November 2, 2021. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and raised in Wellesley, a Boston suburb. She has worked for more than fifteen years as a civil servant at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, serving within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF).
Her federal path began through the Presidential Management Fellows program, which included a six-month detail assignment with the United States House of Representatives as a Health Fellow for the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Health Subcommittee.
Jabbour moved to Hoboken in the fall of 2008 and has since taken part in multiple community organizations. She has served as a mentor with True Mentors, acted as liaison to the HOPES Program for the Brandt Parent Consortium, and founded the Hudson County Chapter of Moms Demand Action, an advocacy group focused on preventing gun violence. Her work with the group led the Hoboken Police Department to distribute free gun locks with all firearm permits and provide safety materials encouraging proper firearm storage. She has been trained in the Be Smart curriculum, which promotes secure firearm storage to reduce suicides and accidental shootings involving children.
Jabbour also supports the Hoboken Public Education Foundation and has remained active in local education-centered efforts.
Her academic background includes a B.A. in Psychology from Boston College (2003) and a Master of Science in Social Work with a policy focus and Law Minor from Columbia University (2006).
