In Hudson County it was all about the pageantry of power on Tuesday as one of the state's strongest Democratic political machines celebrated successful elections.
Albio Sires is now back in the mayor’s office in West New York. He was welcomed back to his hometown by 61% of voters, Gov. Phil Murphy and Hudson County’s juggernaut Democratic political apparatus
Sires is a former United States congressman. His seat was filled by Rep. Rob Menendez, Jr. – Sen. Bob Menendez’s son.
One town over from West New York, in North Bergen, Mayor Nick Sacco remains in charge, having won reelection.
“One district in town, the one I live in, produced 93% of the votes. We won 200 to 16. I would like to know who those 16 people are,” Sacco said.
Sacco is no stranger to these kinds of swearing-ins. This is his ninth as mayor. He's also one of the last dual office holders in New Jersey, serving as both mayor and state senator. He's stepping down as senator at the end of this year.
Replacing Sacco in the state Senate will be Union City Mayor Brian Stack, who also serves as a state senator.
“Union City and West New York have so much in common - sister cities - and we've just built a good relationship and I'm excited about representing West New York as its state Senator,” said Stack
When districts were redrawn last year, Sacco opted to step aside, rather than run against Stack's massive get-out-the-vote operation.
Stack says he hasn't received a subpoena in the growing case against Sen. Menendez.
“Bob's done a good job for the state. Beyond that, with the investigation, I really don't know. I'll leave that up to the Justice Department and his attorneys,” said Stack.
Sacco
did receive a subpoena. He said last week he intends "to cooperate fully and provide any requested information" in the federal investigation.
And finally in Hudson County, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop says he is looking to solidify support for his
2025 gubernatorial run.