Click here to watch the launch video.

Today, Michael Russo, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Hoboken’s Third Ward Councilman, officially launched his campaign to be Hoboken’s next Mayor.

“Hoboken is the place I was born and raised: with my friends and family, in our restaurants and parks, and at my church,” said Dr. Russo. I’ve gotten to know thousands of my neighbors and have had the privilege of serving them on the City Council. The Mile Square City that I know and love is in the faces of our parents and children, in the bustle of our streets, in our nightlife, and on our sports fields. But it’s also in City Hall—and that’s why I’m running to be your next Mayor.

“Throughout the tenure of various mayors, I’ve been elected time and time again for you and by you—not as one of their chosen council members, but as an independent, common sense voice. I know that the success of the laws the City Council passes really comes down to who’s Mayor and how their administration implements those laws. We see it lately in the success of Vision Zero, but we also see it in the empty slots in our police force, in the skyrocketing costs and limited supply of housing, in the disrepair of our parks and the nightmare that is Hoboken traffic. We need a Mayor that’s willing to work on the big picture while also listening to feedback from residents each and every day—and since my early years in politics, I’ve listened to people who love what I have to say and people who disagree. I’ve hosted countless community meetings and town halls in full rooms where people come to talk about transportation, rent increases, and everything in between. That’s given me the experience necessary to lead Hoboken forward.”

Throughout his service to Hoboken, Dr. Russo has championed key initiatives, improving residents’ lives. Under his leadership, the amount of open and recreation space in the Third Ward has more than quadrupled, including the construction of a new recreation center, resiliency parks, new playgrounds, and more. His work on the 800 Monroe Street lot, years in the making, prevented a 16-story building from being built, and ensured it will instead become a brand new park space. Russo also proudly worked with his council colleagues to pass “tests and vests,” an initiative to register e-bike delivery drivers and educate them about proper safety.

Russo’s first three policy proposals about Parking and Transportation, Housing, and Health, Safety, and Quality of Life are available now on his website. His next public event will be an upcoming Health, Safety, and Quality of Life Town Hall on February 26th.

Hoboken’s municipal elections are nonpartisan. Residents will elect Hoboken’s Mayor during Tuesday, November 4th, 2025’s general election, as well as voting early and voting by mail. For more information about Dr. Russo and the campaign, please visit drmichaelrussonj.com.