Hoboken And Jersey City Assemblyman John Allen Won't Run Again, But Here's Who Will

HOBOKEN, NJ — Assemblyman John Allen, who represents Hoboken and some of Jersey City in the state's 32nd Legislative District, confirmed Thursday that he won't run for another term this year, after months of reports saying he was bowing out.

This clears the path for outgoing Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla to run for Allen's spot, which Bhalla announced yesterday.

"Allen is looking ahead to new opportunities in public service," said a spokesperson on Thursday.

Two Assembly members represent the 32nd District. Along with Allen, Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez represents the district.

In Jersey City, Katie Brennan also has said she'll run for a spot. She announced Wednesday that she had raised around $85,000 to run.

Allen's Announcement

“Serving the people of Hoboken and Jersey City has been an immense honor,” Allen said Thursday. “I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made together, from the adoption of the Target Zero Commission to combat traffic fatalities and securing vital state funding for local projects, to advancing critical legislation on climate change, reproductive healthcare access, and gun violence prevention.”

He said he'll be holding office hours this month.

“My focus remains squarely on delivering for my constituents. I’ll continue fighting for the policies that matter most to the people of Hoboken, Jersey City and the entire state, and remain readily accessible to assist with any challenges they face navigating state services," he said.

Office hours are scheduled for Jan. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hoboken Multi Service Center. He holds office hours at this location on the third Monday of every other month.

Prior Reporting

Bhalla announced last week that he wouldn't run for a third term as Hoboken mayor.

On Monday, Councilwoman Emily Jabbour, a Bhalla ally, became the first Hoboken council member to announce a run for mayor this year. Several others said they're considering a run.

Bhalla said on Wednesday, “With Donald Trump back in the White House and the Republicans in control of both houses of Congress, the role of states and cities is more important now than ever. We are the laboratories of democracy that will move our state and country forward.”

Bhalla served on the City Council from 2010 and 2017, then was elected mayor in 2017. John Allen served as his chief of staff for a time, and then as the city's assistant corporation counsel.