Former Hoboken Mayoral Candidate Ruben Ramos Gives Endorsement In Runoff

HOBOKEN, NJ — After a heated mayoral race in which six people vied to be the next mayor of Hoboken, the two candidates with the most votes will face off in a runoff Dec. 2.

Councilwoman Emily Jabbour, who received the most votes, will face the runner-up, Councilman Michael Russo.

On Thursday morning, Russo announced that Councilman Ruben Ramos, who came in fourth in the race, has endorsed him.

“I’m endorsing Mike Russo because I believe he is the best choice to deliver the change that Hoboken needs,” Ramos said. ”Councilman Russo is committed to making Hoboken safer, stronger and more affordable while taking action on the quality of life issues that our residents want to see the city address.”

Ramos, along with Russo and Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, sometimes votes against the policies of Mayor Ravi Bhalla, who has been allied with Jabbour.

“With Ruben Ramos joining Team Russo, we will be even more unstoppable than before,” said Russo. “Ruben knows government—from his years serving on the Hoboken City Council to his deep knowledge of state government from three terms in the New Jersey Legislature. He’s also got a relentless spirit—from his career as a public school teacher to his successful fight against cancer."

A runoff occurs when no candidate amasses more than 50 percent of the vote.

Both Jabbour and Russo have served more than two terms on the council. Jabbour is an at-large councilwoman, serving the entire city. Russo represents the 3rd Ward on the west side of town.

Patch posted profiles and Q&A with them last month. Read them here:

• Emily Jabbour
• Michael Russo

(Got a letter about the election or other issues? Post them on your local Patch yourself for free using these instructions.)