Paterson 6th Ward Councilman Al Abdelaziz submitted his petitions this afternoon to run for re-election in the May council race. The incumbent collected over 900 signatures from residents throughout the ward.

“Once again, I’m honored to put my name on the ballot to seek re-election for the 6th Ward and humbled by the amount of support I’ve received over the past year and a half from the residents of the 6th Ward,” said the incumbent. “We’ve made a lot of progress in a short period of time, but there’s always more that we can accomplish. Public service isn’t just an election – its a call to serve our community every day.  As I seek re-election to the 6th Ward council seat, I remain committed to working with my council colleagues and with the residents, listening to the community, and tackling the challenges we face with bold thinking and a hands-on approach.”

Abdelaziz has made history – times three – in Paterson: he was the youngest councilperson in the city’s history when he was appointed to the seat in 2018; he’s the city’s first Palestinian on the city’s governing body; and he won a special election for the seat in November 2017 by garnering over 80% of the vote, one of the largest margins in the city’s history.

A large group of city, state, and federal-level elected officials representing Paterson (see list below) endorsed Abdelaziz for re-election.

“I’m honored to have the support of so many public servants representing Paterson at all levels – from my council colleagues up to our hometown Congressman,” said Abdelaziz.  “I admire them all for their public service, and consider them mentors and partners as we continue to make the 6th Ward a better place for us to live.”

Rep. Bill Pascrell
Senator Nellie Pou
Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly
Assemblyowoman Shavonda Sumter
Mayor Andre Sayegh
Council President Maritza Davila
Councilman Flavio Rivera
Councilwoman Lilisa Mimms
Councilwoman Ruby Cotton
Sheriff Richard Berdnik
Freeholder Director Sandi Lazzarra
Freeholder TJ Best
Freeholder Bruce James
Freeholder Assad Akhter
Freeholder John  Bartlett
Freeholder Terry Duffy
Freeholder Pat Lepore

Board of Education Members:
Commissioner Manny Martinez
Commissioner Vince Arrington
Commissioner Oshin Castillo
Commissioner Joel Ramirez

Congressman Pascrell said, “Al Abldelaziz has served the 6th Ward with distinction as councilman over the past two years, and was a dedicated community leader long before then.  He’s a shining example of the future of Paterson, and proof that Paterson’s best days lie ahead.”

Senator Pou said, “The 6th Ward is a vibrant and diverse part of the city of Paterson, and it requires a council member who understands the diversity and works with everyone.  Al Abdelaziz has been a consistent friend to all the communities that live in the 6th Ward, and he’s been a strong advocate for the residents, both as a councilman and a community leader. I fully support Al’s re-election.”

Assemblyman Wimberly said, “As a fellow coach, Al knows as I do that public service is all about teamwork.  Elected officials don’t do it alone – they need to work together, and they need community’s support and involvement.  Al has been a vital part of city’s elected leadership, and I’m looking forward to helping get re-elected and to continue working with him to deliver results for Paterson.”

Assemblywoman Sumter said, “As the state’s third largest city, Paterson needs leaders who understand the complexities of municipal government, but who also know that partnership is an important part of progress.  Al is able to get things done because he understands how government works, and more importantly, how it should work.  He’s been a partner to his colleagues at all levels of government, and that makes him a effective representative for his ward.”

Mayor Sayegh said, “I’m proud to endorse my friend Al Abdelaziz for re-election to the 6th – the ward I represented for ten years before I became Mayor of our great city.  We’re both teachers, and I know that Al has learned a lot from his years as a community leader, and he’s proven his skills and abilities as my successor in the 6th Ward.  I endorse his re-election because he shares my vision for a stronger Paterson, and I know he will continue to do great things for the 6th Ward and for our city.”