Former Mayoral Candidate Ajmani Says Who She'll Choose In Hoboken Runoff

HOBOKEN, NJ — After six people vied to be the next mayor of Hoboken, the two candidates with the most votes will vie for the spot in a runoff Dec. 2. Councilwoman Emily Jabbour, who received the most votes, will face runner-up Councilman Michael Russo.

On Saturday, former candidate Dini Ajmani, who worked in the Treasury Department under the Biden administration, said for whom she will vote.

But she noted that she has "substantial concerns" about both candidates.

"It’s been refreshing to have a few days apart from the intensity of the first round of the elections," Ajmani said in a message. "Several of you have asked whether I plan to endorse a candidate. I hope a nuanced response is acceptable to you. I will personally vote for Councilwoman Jabbour. This is not an endorsement or a recommendation, just the way I am going to vote."

She added, "It has not been an easy choice. You know that I have substantial concerns about both candidates. Why Jabbour? For me, the city cannot afford a return to the era when developers dominated local politics. The level of developer money behind Councilman Russo’s campaign makes me uneasy.

"While I recognize that I differ with Councilwoman Jabbour on some policy, I see her as hardworking and deeply committed to serving Hoboken residents. My hope is that she assembles a strong team at City Hall. Separately, I’ve let both candidates know I’m available to support our city’s next administration in any way I can. After all, Hoboken is our shared home. Its future is worth our best effort."

Other Endorsements

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

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

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

Currently, 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

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