32BJ SEIU Announces Jersey City Mayoral Endorsements

The union endorses two champions of economic justice and affordability.

Jersey City, NJ – 32BJ SEIU, a labor union representing 2,500 building service workers who live or work in Jersey City, is endorsing both Jersey City Councilman James Solomon and Hudson County Commissioner William O'Dea for Jersey City Mayor. The endorsements come following a vote of 32BJ SEIU’s Executive Board, which represents 105,000 essential workers across New Jersey and New York.

Lonzell Battle, Jersey City resident and residential concierge at 485 Marin Boulevard (Kushner Real Estate) said: “I have seen firsthand how County Commissioner O'Dea and Councilman Solomon stand with working people in Jersey City. Both of these candidates have joined us in the streets, in the media, in the halls of power, you name it, in support of our fights for fair wages, affordable healthcare and a city where working people can thrive. Working people in Jersey City will have an ally in the mayor’s office if either of these leaders gets elected. For the sake of my 7-year-old and 17-year-old, I will work to get both of them on the runoff ballot. It’s time for Jersey City’s residents and workers to come together and get what we need: good jobs, decent wages and affordable housing.”

32BJ SEIU Vice President and New Jersey District Director Ana Maria Hill said: “Both Councilman Solomon and County Commissioner O'Dea are proven fighters for working people. They both stand up for Jersey City essential workers fighting for their fair share of the city’s economic gains, as well as tenants demanding safe, secure and affordable places to live. As a union that represents thousands of office cleaners, residential building service workers and security officers who either work or live in Jersey City, we think Jersey City voters will agree that our next mayor should be someone who will pull up their sleeves to make this city more affordable and a place where hardworking people can raise a family with dignity. We will turn out voters, knock on doors and make calls to get Solomon and O'Dea to the run-off.”

Hudson County Commissioner William O'Dea said: “I am incredibly proud to have the support of 32BJ SEIU—the hardworking men and women who keep Jersey City moving forward every single day. Their fight for fair wages, good benefits, and dignity on the job is the backbone of a strong, thriving city. For decades, I have stood shoulder to shoulder with labor, and as Mayor, my commitment will never waver. We will make Jersey City a place where working families can afford to live, where unions are respected, and where every worker gets a fair shot at success. With 32BJ SEIU by my side, we’re not just running a campaign—we’re building a movement for a city that truly works for everyone. I'd also like to thank NJ State Director Ana Maria Hill and the 32BJ family for having faith in me. I promise to do right by you.”

Jersey City Councilman James Solomon said: “It's an honor to receive the endorsement of the working women and men of 32BJ. 32BJ members make Jersey City run, and without them, we would not be the city that we are. As Mayor I will have their backs. For too long, working people in Jersey City have struggled, and I will be a mayor who ensures the people who make our city work can afford to live here. That means affordable housing, living wages, and fair contracts. Jersey City is a union town – and we will make sure it stays that way.”

With more than 185,000 members in 12 states and the District of Columbia, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country. 32BJ SEIU represents over 15,000 building service workers in New Jersey. 32BJ SEIU members hail from 64 different countries and speak 28 different languages.