# What Jersey City‘s Mayor Fulop‘s Gubernatorial Primary Loss Means for Local Politics
In a surprising turn in New Jersey’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop landed in third place. This happened even after he spent a hefty sum and tried to carve out a reputation as an independent progressive.
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Let’s dig into what Fulop’s loss could mean for Hudson County politics. There’s also the question of what comes next for Jersey City, now that Rep. Mikie Sherrill is moving on to face Republican Jack Ciattarelli in November.
The Gubernatorial Primary Results: A Closer Look
Tuesday’s Democratic primary delivered an outcome that caught a lot of people off guard. Rep. Mikie Sherrill took the lead with 34% of the vote, clinching the Democratic nomination for governor.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka came in second with 20%. Jersey City’s Mayor Steven Fulop, despite pouring $8.7 million into his campaign, only managed 16%.
The rest of the field—Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, and former State Senate President Steve Sweeney—lagged behind. Sherrill’s win seems like a boost for the traditional Democratic organizations, but the bigger political picture feels a lot more complicated than that.
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Fulop’s Campaign Strategy and Shortcomings
Mayor Fulop tried to run as an independent progressive, distancing himself from the usual party bosses. He spent big and had plenty of name recognition, especially in Jersey City and nearby areas.
Still, his campaign just didn’t click with enough voters across the state. Some political watchers think splitting the progressive vote with Baraka ended up helping Sherrill, who stuck to a more moderate message.
Hudson County’s Changing Political Landscape
Fulop’s run for governor might not have panned out, but the primary showed that Hudson County’s political scene is shifting. The end of the “county line” system seems to have loosened the grip of party bosses, and a few races really highlighted that.
Assembly District Upsets Signal Change
In the 32nd Assembly District, independents Katie Brennan and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla beat out HCDO-backed Crystal Fonseca and Jennie Pu, as well as incumbent Jessica Ramirez. Voters are clearly open to picking candidates outside the party’s official slate.
In the 31st District, HCDO-backed Jerry Walker grabbed an Assembly nomination. Barbara McCann Stamato led over incumbent William Sampson and Jacqueline Weimmer, so results were mixed for organization favorites there.
Sheriff’s Race: Another Blow to Fulop’s Influence
Another big moment—Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis defeated Fulop-backed incumbent Frank X. Schillari for the Hudson County Sheriff nomination. That result really drives home how much Fulop’s political influence has faded in the county.
What This Means for Jersey City’s Future
Fulop’s back at the helm, settling into his mayoral duties again. People are already wondering where Jersey City’s headed next and how leadership will shape things.
The city’s changed a lot during Fulop’s tenure. Downtown and the waterfront, in particular, have turned into lively neighborhoods with a real sense of community.
Some local priorities still need attention:
If you’re curious about things to do in Jersey City, you’ll find a growing cultural scene, all kinds of food, and easy access to Manhattan. It’s honestly a great spot for both visitors and locals.
The range of Jersey City hotels is pretty impressive, too. Whether you want a fancy waterfront stay or something more unique and low-key, you’ll find it.
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Here is the source article for this story: Fulop’s Progressive Rebranding Fails; Brennan, Bhalla and Walker Prevail; McCann Stamato Leads as Davis Ousts Schillari
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