Mayoral Forum at LGBTQ+ Venue Canceled After Backlash Over Co-Host

A mayoral forum scheduled for July 10 at Six26 in Downtown Jersey City was canceled following backlash over co-host Fernando Uribe, a political commentator and podcaster. The event, organized by Uribe and Hudson County View editor John Heinis, was set to include candidates Bill O’Dea, James Solomon, Mussab Ali, and Christina Freeman.

The forum was publicly announced on June 20 with an online flyer. Shortly after, concerns surfaced over Uribe’s past public statements, particularly from activist Kayla Burell, who highlighted the issue given the venue’s identity as a prominent LGBTQ+ bar and event space.

Burell confirmed to HudPost she contacted the candidates. “Having someone who openly makes homophobic and transphobic comments in a queer space like Six26 is harmful to the community,” she said.

James Solomon’s campaign manager, Stuart Thomas, said the campaign withdrew due to Uribe’s role. “We decided to withdraw because one of the moderators has a long history of virulent anti LGBTQ+ bigotry and we are not going to platform that, especially at Six26, one of the only true safe spaces for the community in Jersey City,” Thomas said.

Uribe responded to the cancellation in an op-ed, alleging the candidates withdrew due to activist pressure. “Activists like her want to have their online hissy fits, but not be held accountable,” he wrote, adding that “cancel culture” played a role.

Bill O’Dea confirmed he withdrew after learning that Solomon and Ali had already exited. “I was probably the last person that withdrew from the debate after I found out James and Mussab weren’t going to,” O’Dea said. “I understand why people wanted us not to be in the debate.” He added that while he respects differing views, he strongly disagrees with many of Uribe’s positions.

Hudson County View confirmed to HudPost they are working on organizing a forum at a future date and location.