Hoboken Councilwoman-at-Large Emily Jabbour, who is running for mayor, officially announced her slate of candidates for the Hoboken City Council At-Large election. The three candidates are Councilman Joe Quintero, Zoning Board Commissioner Steve Firestone, and first-time candidate Caitlin Layson.
In her announcement, Jabbour said all three candidates share her commitment to leadership that focuses on practical solutions. She said they believe local government should concentrate on making daily life better for people living in Hoboken.
She described Quintero as having a proven track record from his first term on the City Council. She said Firestone brings financial expertise and a detailed approach to planning, based on his experience with the Zoning Board. She also said Layson brings direct experience as an educator and family advocate, and that she has lived in Hoboken all her life.
- Emily Jabbour’s new council slate features experience in local government, education, and finance.
- Joe Quintero seeks re-election with a focus on affordability, safety, and community support.
- Steve Firestone and Caitlin Layson join the race, bringing a data-driven approach and a deep commitment to Hoboken families.
Joe Quintero Is Running for Re-Election
Joe Quintero is currently serving as an At-Large Councilman in Hoboken. He was first elected in 2021 as part of Mayor Ravi Bhalla’s slate, along with Emily Jabbour. In addition to his Council role, he was recently re-elected as Chair of the Hoboken Democratic Committee.
Quintero is described as a lifelong New Jerseyan. The announcement said he is known for working hard and focusing on getting results. It also mentioned that he has faced personal challenges, including surviving cancer at a young age and dealing with large student loan debt. According to the statement, these experiences shaped his values of perseverance, public service, and community.
Quintero said he is running for re-election because he believes everyone in Hoboken should have a chance to succeed. His priorities are protecting tenants, improving public safety, and making City Hall more responsive. He also said that he and Jabbour have worked together on these issues for the past four years, and that he believes they will continue to make progress if elected again.
Steve Firestone Joins the Council Race
Steve Firestone is a candidate for City Council At-Large. He currently serves as Chair of Hoboken’s Zoning Board. He has lived in Hoboken for nearly 30 years and has 25 years of public service experience. He has served on multiple boards and commissions in the city.
Firestone is a professor of finance and is also a marathon runner. He previously worked for the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where he helped oversee some of the largest banks in the world.
Firestone said he is running for City Council because he has spent his life solving complex problems and believes Hoboken should have leaders who focus on long-term solutions. He said that in both his government and local board roles, he has worked with focus, transparency, and a goal of getting things right.
He also said he is proud to be running with Emily Jabbour. He described her as someone who leads with empathy, vision, and grit. He said she is the most transparent public servant he has met. Firestone said their team will use a collaborative and data-driven approach to address problems and guide Hoboken’s growth in a way that benefits every resident.
Caitlin Layson Runs as a First-Time Candidate
Caitlin Layson is running for City Council At-Large for the first time. She is a lifelong resident of Hoboken and was raised at 8th and Willow. She is a mother and a former special education teacher. She has also worked as a direct support provider for adults with brain injuries.
Layson said she wants Hoboken to be an affordable city where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered, regardless of their background or income. She said her experience as a resident, educator, and parent helps her understand the city’s needs.
Her campaign focuses on strong public schools, safe streets, affordable housing, and leadership that listens to the community. She said she is proud to run with Emily Jabbour, who she said values accountability, transparency, and delivering real results. Layson said their team is connected to the community and ready to serve all residents.
Campaign Event Scheduled and Election Field Expands
Jabbour’s team will hold a campaign kickoff event on Thursday, July 18, at 10th and Willow, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. People can RSVP by sending an email to [email protected].
Several other slates are also running in the upcoming non-partisan council-at-large election on November 4.
- 3rd Ward Councilman Mike Russo is running a slate with Nicole Magana, Pete Keeling, and Dean Murray.
- 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher is backing Liz Urtecho and former Councilman-at-Large Dave Mello.
- 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos has announced Alfredo Veloce.
- Mayoral candidate Dini Ajmani, a former U.S. Treasury official, is running with Kimberly Giddens and Nicholas Gorka.
Jabbour’s announcement places her slate of Quintero, Firestone, and Layson into a growing and competitive race for three At-Large seats on the Hoboken City Council.
