Leaders of Hackensack and Teaneck Are Latest to Back Fulop’s Campaign for Governor

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — The Fulop for Governor campaign is announcing its first two major endorsements from Bergen County, leading with its two largest municipalities. The endorsements from Hackensack Mayor John Labrosse and Teaneck Mayor Michael Pagan add significant new momentum to the Fulop campaign as it continues to expand its organizing footprint across the state.

“I’m so thankful to have the support of both Mayor John Labrosse and Mayor Michael Pagan, who I know are two of our state’s most dedicated public servants and who both have a record of delivering progress to their communities,” said Mayor Fulop. “Bergen County is one of the most critical areas of the state for our campaign and the county is important as it is our Hudson County neighbor. Importantly, we have several more commitments lined up and we will be strategically rolling them out as the campaign progresses. Our plan is to compete heavily in Bergen County as many of the residents there have both Jersey City and Hudson County roots.”

In addition to Mayor Labrosse, whose city is the Bergen County seat, and Mayor Pagan, the Fulop campaign has also been endorsed by Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr., leader of one of the largest municipalities in Atlantic County, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora who represents the county seat of Mercer County, Mount Holly Mayor Chris Banks who represents the Burlington County seat and Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty, leader of the Morris County seat, among many others.

First elected as a City Council member in 2009, John Labrosse has served as Mayor of Hackensack since 2013. Mayor Labrosse and his allies on the City Council have presided over the total revitalization of Hackensack’s Main Street area, with thousands of new housing units completed or in progress, numerous new businesses being attracted to the area and significant community investments like new parks, the HACPAC performing arts center and more.

“Steve Fulop and I became Mayors on the same day in 2013, and since then I’ve consistently been inspired by all the progress he’s brought to Jersey City and even worked to emulate some of his highly successful economic development initiatives in Hackensack,” said Mayor Labrosse. “I’m proud to endorse Steve for Governor because I think he has the fresh perspective needed to solve the longstanding challenges New Jersey faces and deliver more for the middle class.”

Michael Pagan has served as a Council member in Teaneck since 2020 and was sworn-in as the township’s first Latino Mayor in January. He has worked to build bridges in the community and ensure that all residents have a voice in local government, while delivering effective management and expanded services to residents.

“I could not be more excited to join Team Fulop and work alongside the amazing group of Mayors and other leaders who have already endorsed his campaign,” said Mayor Pagan. “Teaneck has always been on the forefront of progressive change in our state and backing Steve Fulop for Governor fits well with that legacy. I encourage all of my fellow Teaneck residents to get to know Steve because you will see that he shares our values and will make an incredible Governor for our state.”

Closter Councilwoman Jannie Chung, also from Bergen County, joined the campaign staff earlier this year.

“When Mayor Fulop asked me to join the team I did not hesitate because I knew he would be a transformational Governor for our state in the same way he was able to bring progress to Jersey City,” said Councilwoman Chung. “I am excited to see two highly respected Bergen County Mayors endorsing Steven Fulop for Governor and I look forward to having more come on board. We are just getting started.”