Transformations in the Hudson County political landscape in a no-line era, which led to changes in the State Assembly delegation and in Jersey City last year, now seem unlikely to affect the re-election prospects of State Sen. Raj Mukherji (D-Jersey City), who looks to be in strong shape when he seeks re-election to a second term in 2027.
Mukerji, who represents Hoboken and part of Jersey City, won early endorsements from Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Jersey City Mayor James Solomon late last month.
“Why we are so excited to have him as our senator is that there is no one who’s a greater voice of conscience, who speaks truth to power, who fights for our community,” said Solomon. “He knows policy. There’s nobody who is more thoughtful, more detail-oriented, who writes more bills, who pushes more legislation, and he is wonderful at building relationships with all parts of the political spectrum.”
Solomon pledged to stand with Mukherji “going forward.”
Support for Mukherji ran even deeper, with Assemblywoman Katie Brennan (D-Jersey City), Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour, and Hudson County Executive Craig Guy joining him and Sherrill on the stage.
Sherrill cited Mukherji’s service as a Marine intelligence veteran – he enlisted after 9/11 – and for his work to fight veteran homelessness, to protect the rights of immigrants, and for his constituent services.
“He is a Renaissance man,” Sherrill said.
Mukherji also has the backing of State Sen. Brian P. Stack, the mayor of Union City and a longtime friend. Mukherji spent ten years as Stack’s running mate before redistricting moved him to the next-door 32nd district and allowed him to move from the Assembly to the Senate.
Others, like County Commissioner Bill O’Dea and Hudson County Sheriff Jimmy Davis, were also present. So was Senate Majority Whip Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch), one of Mukherji’s closest friends, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. Coughlin had picked Mukherji to serve as Assembly Majority Whip and as chairman of the Judiciary Committee.
The strong showing for Mukherji followed Solomon, Guy, Stack, Brennan, and Assemblyman Ravi Bhalla (D-Hoboken) joining together in support of a unity ticket in races for nine county commissioner seats in the June 2 Democratic primary.
Brennan was the top vote-getter in the 32nd Democratic Assembly primary last year, unseating freshman Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez (D-Jersey City). The second seat was won by Bhalla, who was completing his second term as Hoboken’s mayor; the other incumbent, John Allen (D-Hoboken), retired after one term and backed Bhalla. Bhalla was not at the Mukherji event.
Micah Rasmussen, the director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, said peace in the valley is a good thing when it’s possible.
“Hudson County Democrats gave peace a chance, and now they don’t want to miss their shot to get every last drop out of it,” Rasmussen stated. “Primaries are inherently risky, and both incumbents and machines are risk-averse. If they can avoid two years of primaries for the price of one, they’ll take it.”
