All three former at-large candidates from Team Ramos—Britta Ouano, Al Veloce, and Laura Miani—endorsed Third Ward Councilman Michael Russo for mayor ahead of the December 2, 2025, runoff. Their support expands a coalition that already includes Councilman and former Assemblyman Ruben Ramos, Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, Councilman Paul Presinzano, former Councilman Mike DeFusco, former Councilwoman Theresa Castellano, and many residents throughout Hoboken.
- All three former Team Ramos at-large candidates—Britta Ouano, Al Veloce, and Laura Miani—formally endorsed Michael Russo for mayor, strengthening his coalition before the December 2, 2025, runoff.
- The candidates praised Russo’s listening style, long service in the 3rd Ward, and ability to work across political lines, stressing that his leadership is rooted in everyday issues such as safety, affordability, and community balance.
- Russo enters the runoff against Councilwoman-at-Large Emily Jabbour with a team that includes at-large hopefuls Nicole Magaña, Pete Keeling, and Liz Urtecho, plus support from Councilman and former Assemblyman Ruben Ramos.
Reasons Cited for Supporting Russo’s Leadership Style
Britta Ouano explained that her decision to support Michael Russo comes from seeing how he handles everyday issues that affect families in Hoboken. Speaking as a resident of the 3rd Ward, which he represents on the City Council, she said she has repeatedly seen him pay close attention to community concerns, follow up on them, and treat those concerns with seriousness. She connected this pattern to the practical style she promoted during her own campaign. Ouano also said that Hoboken needs conditions that create a safer, more reasonably priced, and more balanced city for parents, long-term residents, small business owners, and others who live here.
Al Veloce stated that Russo has been the 3rd Ward council member for most of his life and said he has noticed improvements he associates with Russo’s work and advocacy. Veloce described Russo as someone who listens carefully, stays involved with residents, supports programs, and welcomes feedback. He also said Russo works with people even when they hold different positions and views the city as his home. Veloce said he believes Russo would look after Hoboken with that same level of personal connection if elected mayor.
Laura Miani said she first met Russo early in the campaign and found that their priorities aligned. She mentioned that his family ties are in Hoboken and that this matters to him, also describing him as straightforward and approachable. She stated that local government requires someone who is committed to the community, understands how to form working relationships, and is familiar with the city’s police, fire personnel, and residents who have long been part of the area. Because Hoboken covers a small geographic area while housing many people, she said the ability to work with a wide range of individuals is essential, which is why she chose to support Russo for mayor.
Runoff Structure and Alignment of Campaign Teams
Ruben Ramos previously endorsed Russo after finishing fourth in the mayoral race. The endorsement by Ouano, Miani, and Veloce aligns all former Team Ramos at-large candidates with Russo.
Two members of Russo’s at-large slate—Nicole Magaña and Pete Keeling—advanced to the city’s December 2nd non-partisan runoff. They run alongside Liz Urtecho, who previously ran on 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher’s slate and later endorsed Russo.
Russo is running against Councilwoman-at-Large Emily Jabbour, who was the top vote-getter earlier in November. Jabbour’s team includes Councilman-at-Large Joe Quintero, Caitlin Lawson, and Zoning Board Chair Steve Firestone.
