Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis Unseats Incumbent Sheriff Frank Schillari in Democratic Primary

Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis secured the Democratic nomination for Hudson County Sheriff on Tuesday, defeating five-term incumbent Frank Schillari.

Davis, who has served as Bayonne’s mayor since 2014, ran on his background in law enforcement and municipal leadership. His resume includes time as a Bayonne police officer and detective with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.

Davis received major party support, including endorsements from the Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO), Governor Phil Murphy, and several public safety unions.

“I want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to all the people who have worked so hard over these last few months, and of course to all our supporters throughout Bayonne and Hudson County!” Davis stated in a public message.

Sheriff Schillari, who has held office since 2010, was supported by Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop’s “Democrats for Change” slate and endorsed by the Jersey City Education Association. His campaign also received a celebrity endorsement from comedian Joey Diaz, who publicly backed Schillari during the race. Despite his long tenure and notable support, Schillari was unable to match Davis’s broader countywide coalition.