Fulop Backs Progressive in Bid to Reshape Hudson County Politics

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, who is running for governor, has endorsed Hector Oseguera for the state Assembly seat in the 33rd Legislative District. Oseguera, a progressive lawyer from Union City, represents a strategy to push back against the incoming Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO) leadership under future chairman Craig Guy.

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop highlighted his reasons for endorsing Oseguera, stating, “My personal opinion is Hector will be a phenomenal candidate as he grew up in West New York with his extended family, lives in Union City currently with his wife and child, he is a hard worker, a lawyer, he has demonstrated values that speak to parts of the district which have long been neglected. My personal view is he would fit well with [Assemblyman] Julio [Marenco] and will give us a good opportunity to build and win there in 2025 and again on the municipal front in 2026,” Fulop told Hudson County View.

By supporting Oseguera, Fulop is signaling a move away from the incoming county’s leadership under Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and distancing himself from Union City Mayor Brian Stack, who is not backing Fulop’s gubernatorial campaign.

This endorsement is particularly significant because Stack had previously appointed Oseguera to the Union City Planning Board in 2021, following Oseguera’s run against then-Congressman Albio Sires. Despite this connection, Fulop’s backing of Oseguera indicates a shift in his alliances, as he seeks to create his own base of supporters in the county.

Stack, meanwhile, has thrown his support behind Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez and has aligned himself with U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who is rumored to be considering a gubernatorial run. Fulop, on the other hand, is collaborating closely with North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Guttenberg Mayor Wayne Zitt to solidify his influence in Hudson County.

Sacco, a long-time ally of Fulop, continues to support Assemblyman Julio Marenco. However, there are reports that Stack may attempt to replace Marenco with Larry Wainstein, Sacco’s long-time rival, which could undermine Fulop’s plans.

Craig Guy, who is set to lead the Hudson County Democratic Organization, will play a pivotal role in determining which candidates receive party backing. His choices could favor Stack’s candidates in upcoming elections.

The tension is also reflected in the race between former Governor James McGreevey, backed by Stack, and Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea. Although Fulop has not endorsed O’Dea, he has voiced doubts about McGreevey’s chances due to past controversies, indirectly challenging Stack’s influence.

As the 2025 primary approaches, Fulop’s efforts to rally progressives around Oseguera highlight his strategy to counter the established power held by Stack and his allies. This could create more opportunities for progressive voices to gain traction in Hudson County.