Bhalla Makes Decision On Running For Third Term As Hoboken Mayor

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a letter to residents Friday that he won't run for a third term as Hoboken mayor this year.

News outlets had already reported that Bhalla may run for the Assembly spot currently held by John Allen, who used to be Bhalla's chief of staff.

"After conversations with my family, I have decided not to run for re-election this November for a third term as Mayor," he wrote in the letter, posted below. " ...I plan to pursue public service through a different path..."

Potential mayoral candidates have included Bhalla ally and former Council President Emily Jabbour, as well as Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, Councilman Michael Russo and Councilman Ruben Ramos Jr.

Bhalla had run for Congress in a heated battle against incumbent Rob Menendez Jr. and lost last year. READ MORE: Menendez Beats Bhalla, But How'd It Happen?

Below is Bhalla's letter.

Bhalla's Letter To Residents

Hi Hoboken Resident,

I write to first and foremost wish you and your family a Happy New Year! 2024 was a year of tremendous progress for Hoboken, which I know we will continue in the New Year.

Serving as your Mayor these past seven years has been and will continue to be the privilege of my lifetime. I am immensely proud of the historic improvements we’ve made together on everything from securing the former Union Dry Dock site for public use, creating a model for pedestrian safety through our Vision Zero campaign, opening what is likely the country’s largest resiliency park at ResilienCity Park, and so much more.

After conversations with my family, I have decided not to run for re-election this November for a third term as Mayor. While I plan to pursue public service through a different path, I wanted to let you know that 2025 will be my last year as Mayor of our great City.

I’m more than confident about the future of Hoboken, and the path our team has paved for whomever is elected as your next leader. Our waterfront is now, once and for all, free from development. We have adopted redevelopment plans that maintain the charm and character of our City, while providing needed revitalization. We’ve preserved over 10 acres of land for public parkland, without sacrificing major concessions. And we have continued a model of transparency for major city projects, that I am fully confident the public will press for going forward.

Fortunately, Hoboken is home to a number of talented public servants and activists, and I have no doubt that the future is bright. I also have full faith that the voters of Hoboken will select a trusted leader to bring our City to even greater heights in the years ahead.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to extend my gratitude for the trust and confidence you have placed in me. It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve as the Mayor of Hoboken, and I'm confident in the coming years, the best is yet to come.

Sincerely,

Ravi Bhalla

Mayor