Councilman Yousef J. Saleh of Jersey City has formally filed petitions to run for a seat in the New Jersey General Assembly. He is seeking election in the 32nd Legislative District, which includes parts of Jersey City and Hoboken.
Saleh is running on Mayor Steven Fulop’s “Democrats for Change” ticket, which also includes Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez and Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari.
This step follows Saleh’s experience as Ward D Councilman in Jersey City, a position he has held since his appointment in April 2020. He later won a full term as part of Mayor Fulop’s municipal team. His entry into the state race adds to the team led by Fulop, who is running for Governor.
Assemblywoman Ramirez, who is running for re-election, praised Saleh’s dedication to public service. She said he consistently prioritizes community needs, and his values align with their shared goals for affordable housing, better healthcare, and economic opportunity.
In addition, Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato has also filed for re-election in the nearby 31st Legislative District, running on Fulop’s slate.
- Councilman Yousef Saleh is running for the New Jersey General Assembly in the 32nd District, joining Mayor Steven Fulop’s gubernatorial team under the “Democrats for Change” campaign.
- Saleh brings a strong local focus to state-level issues like school funding, affordable housing, speed cameras, and domestic violence support.
- He will run alongside Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez, who praised his leadership and commitment to equity, public service, and community wellbeing.
Local Leadership Behind State-Level Goals
Saleh explained that his time as a councilman showed him how many local problems must be solved at the state level. He said that issues like speeding in neighborhoods require state-funded tools such as speed cameras.
He also pointed out that many complaints he hears regularly — from traffic and safety to homelessness and school funding — need changes in state laws and proper state support. As a result, Saleh believes that being in the Assembly will give him the tools to better serve his community.
One example he gave is a past experience with a homeless mother and her children who had nowhere to stay. The state had no resources to help at the time. Saleh personally paid for a motel room for the family. He said this showed the need for more funding for shelters and quicker state response.
Saleh also has experience in student activism. While at Rutgers University, he joined protests in Trenton when Governor Chris Christie proposed major state budget cuts. Saleh, a public school graduate, continues to focus on protecting school funding and fixing problems related to payroll tax collections that affect local education.
Saleh’s Policy Focus and Campaign Strategy
Saleh has already shown that he can create effective laws. His work on pay transparency in Jersey City became one of the few local laws later adopted at the state level. He says this proves he can handle state policy and wants to build on that success if elected.
He plans to introduce a law banning fake job postings and push for a statewide hybrid work policy for large employers. He believes this would protect job seekers and modernize workplace rules.
As councilman, Saleh has worked on issues such as infrastructure, small business support, public safety, and the right to legal counsel. He says these efforts show his focus on fairness and community well-being.
He also stated that the Assembly seat would give him a larger platform to improve conditions for Jersey City and Hoboken residents.
The June 10th Democratic primary for the LD-32 Assembly race is expected to be one of the most competitive in the state. Saleh and Ramirez are facing a ticket backed by the Hudson County Democratic Organization, including Hoboken Public Library Director Jennie Pu and Jersey City Director of Buildings and Street Maintenance Crystal Fonseca.
There are also independent candidates in the race. Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and Jersey City activist Katie Brennan are running separately. Brennan recently tested the idea of running with Bhalla, and both have publicly opposed the state Senate’s proposed ballot redesign.
Saleh previously announced his intention to run for re-election as Ward D Councilman in the November non-partisan election. If he does not win the Assembly primary, he can still run for his current council seat.
From Heights Roots to State-Level Goals
Saleh was born and raised in Jersey City’s Heights neighborhood. His personal connection to the city greatly influences his perception of public service.
He says Jersey City represents the American dream — a place where immigrants can start over and build a future. This view shapes his belief that the government should help every person have access to housing, education, and safety.
Growing up, he spent time with family at Liberty State Park and learned to ride a bike in Washington Park. He also recalls events like the blizzard of 1996 as meaningful childhood memories. These experiences ground his values and commitment to serve.
During the pandemic, Saleh worked to help residents get tested for COVID-19 and supported local businesses with economic relief. He focused on public health and planned responses for future outbreaks.
He wants to continue pushing for park improvements, more green infrastructure, and affordable housing in every part of Jersey City. He also wants to solve common problems like trash pickup and parking.
Parking is a serious issue in the Heights, and Saleh has supported building parking decks to ease congestion. He often jokes that, from years of experience dealing with local traffic issues, he’s become an “expert parking hunter.”
Jersey City’s Diversity Reflects in Saleh’s Priorities
Jersey City has been ranked the most diverse city in the United States, and Saleh sees this as a strength.
He believes diversity brings people together through culture, food, and shared experiences. He says that no matter where people come from, they often want the same things — a safe home, good schools, and strong communities.
He enjoys attending local celebrations and trying food from different cultures. Some of his favorite spots include The Cliff and Fox & Crow for brunch, Gino’s for pizza and pasta, and Wonder Bagel.
He also recommends Bang Cookies — especially the salted chocolate chip — and the Law of Donutgineering on Bleecker Street, which he calls the best place for gourmet donuts.
