Hudson County Democratic Organization Chairwoman Amy DeGise is announcing that the county organization and its Democratic leaders are endorsing Robert J. Menendez to succeed Congressman Albio Sires (D-West New York) when he retires next month. An attorney and Commissioner at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Menendez grew up in Hudson County.

Chairwoman DeGise is releasing the following statement:

“Albio Sires has been a tireless champion for the working and middle class families of Hudson County throughout his incredible career in public service, from his time as Mayor of West New York to becoming the first Hispanic Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly to representing us in Washington as our Congressman. His leadership, determination to deliver for his constituents and commitment to upholding the values of our Democratic Party will be greatly missed. On behalf of the Hudson County Democratic Organization I thank him for his distinguished career working for the people, as well as for the mentorship and guidance he has provided and for being there for me every step of the way of my own political journey. Congressman Sires won’t be going far and he will always be a respected leader in our party.

While replacing Congressman Sires will be difficult, I have been in continuous discussions in recent days with our Mayors, elected officials and grassroots GOTV leaders and believe that we have an excellent candidate to continue delivering for Hudson County in my longtime friend Robert J. Menendez. As someone who grew up here in Hudson County just like I did and has seen it grow and change over the years, Rob has a clear understanding of what is needed from the federal government in order to support the progress happening in our communities and make sure no one is left behind. I know that Rob will work hard to bring federal resources back to Hudson County to support critical needs like improving our transportation networks, keeping our communities safe, bringing more jobs and opportunities to our residents and much more. On behalf of the Hudson County Democratic Organization and along with our Mayors, state legislators and county officials, I am proud to endorse Robert J. Menendez for Congress. I look forward to working alongside him to meet Democratic voters in the 8th District and share his vision for our communities, and I believe that he can be a candidate who will unite all of the different corners of our party behind a new generation of leadership.”

Other Hudson County Democratic leaders endorsing Robert J. Mendendez include:

County Executive Tom DeGise – Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis – East Newark Mayor Dina Grilo – Guttenberg Mayor Wayne Zitt – Harrison Mayor James Fife – Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla – Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop – Kearny Mayor Al Santos – North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco – Secaucus Mayor Mike Gonnelli – Union City Mayor Brian Stack – Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner – West New York Mayor Gabe Rodriguez

State Senator Nick Sacco – State Senator Brian Stack – Assemblyman-elect Will Sampson – Assemblywoman Angelica McKnight – Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez – Assemblyman Pedro Mejia – Assemblyman Raj Mukherji – Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro

County Commission Chair Anthony Vainieri – County Commission Vice Chair Anthony Romano – County Commission Chair Pro-Tem Jerry Walker – County Commissioner Ken Kopacz – County Commissioner Bill O’Dea – County Commissioner Yraida Aponte-Lipski – County Commissioner Fanny Cedeno – County Commissioner Caridad Rodriguez – County Commissioner Al Cifelli

Sheriff Frank Schillari – County Clerk Junior Maldonado – County Register-elect Jeff Dublin – County Surrogate Tilo Rivas

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop is releasing the following statement:

“During these challenging times, unity is important to best help our residents and today is a strong statement of the unity that exists right now in Hudson County. Congressman Sires has been a great representative and I stand with Robert J. Menendez because I’m confident that he will best be able to continue the progress in bringing the resources and support from the federal government that Jersey City needs.”