Fulop Says Hudson Dems ‘In It for the Money’

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop has taken a swipe at Hudson County’s Democratic powerbrokers, accusing them of prioritizing patronage and financial incentives over genuine political alignment. Fulop’s comments follow a New Jersey Globe report revealing that several prominent Democrats, who previously supported Congressman Josh Gottheimer’s gubernatorial bid, are now reconsidering their stance.

“I’ll say the quiet part out loud…in Hudson, these sorts of things are about $$ and patronage,” Fulop tweeted, reacting to the Globe report by David Wildstein. “What changed from when they loved Josh? He’s the same exact candidate, same exact talking points, same exact field of candidates. What changed? Answer: someone offered them a better deal.”

I’ll say the quiet part out loud… in Hudson these sort of things are about $$ and patronage. If you don’t believe me then ask yourself “what changed from when they loved Josh? He is the same exact candidate, same exact talking points, same exact field of candidates from when… https://t.co/gTb6jUyOcD

— Steven Fulop (@StevenFulop) November 21, 2024

The report highlighted a shift in loyalty from Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and other Democratic leaders, including Union City Mayor Brian P. Stack, Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis, and West New York Mayor Albio Sires. The group, once signaling their support for Gottheimer, is now in a “holding pattern,” with Guy attending events for Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and other gubernatorial hopefuls instead of joining Gottheimer’s campaign kickoff.

Political Realignment

In August, HudPost reported on Fulop’s endorsement of progressive candidate Hector Oseguera for a state Assembly seat in the 33rd Legislative District. The endorsement was a direct rebuke to the incoming Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO) leadership under Craig Guy and a signal of Fulop’s broader strategy to build a progressive coalition in the region.

“My personal opinion is Hector will be a phenomenal candidate…he has demonstrated values that speak to parts of the district which have long been neglected,” Fulop told Hudson County View. By supporting Oseguera, Fulop distanced himself from Brian Stack and aligned with longtime ally North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco.

A Fractured Hudson County

The shifting endorsements and public feuds point to a fractured Hudson County Democratic Party, with allegiances shifting as the 2025 primary approaches.

For Hudson County Democrats, the stakes are high, and the divisions are becoming more apparent.