Victory at Last, Wainstein Topples Team Sacco

On June 10, 2025, Larry Wainstein and incumbent Assemblymember Gabriel Rodriguez secured a decisive victory in the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 33rd Legislative District, winning over a slate backed by longtime North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco.

The result marks Wainstein’s first electoral win after multiple mayoral campaigns in North Bergen and underscores a shift in Hudson County’s political dynamics. The race was widely viewed as a proxy battle between State Senator and Union City Mayor Brian Stack and former State Senator Sacco, two dominant figures in North Hudson politics.

Wainstein had previously run unsuccessfully against Sacco for mayor three times. His candidacy this year was backed by Stack, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, and West New York Mayor Albio Sires.

Rodriguez, who has represented the district since 2022, said the results reflect “a clear mandate from the voters” and thanked residents “for standing with us to build a stronger, more transparent government.”