Russo For Mayor Campaign Reveals Hoboken Council Slate Of 4 Political Unknowns

HOBOKEN, NJ – Five people have already announced that they want to run for Hoboken mayor in November, and they're slowly revealing their slates of council-at-large candidates. READ MORE: Fifth Candidates Enters Hoboken Mayoral Race

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Hoboken elections are non-partisan, and the majority of candidates running for the full-time slot this November are registered Democrats.

Candidates for mayor don't have to choose a council slate, but many are choosing to pick a ticket with three at-large candidates who would represent all of town on the nine-member council.

Four Council Candidates Will Run With Russo

On Monday, 3rd Ward Councilman Michael Russo revealed a slate of three council-at-large candidates and a candidate for the 6th Ward seat previously held by Jennifer Giattino, who passed away last year.

Russo's slate contains people active in Hoboken, but they're not past political candidates.

They include an immigration and family law attorney, a real estate broker, and a local business owner. They cited experiences with housing costs, children's recreation, and small business difficulties as their motivation for jumping into the political fray.

Russo has represented the city's 3rd Ward in the central western part of town, containing some of the low-income housing projects.

The Candidates

Below are his candidates' descriptions, verbatim from his press release.

Nicole Magaña has called Hoboken home for the past 18 years. An alumna of the University of Delaware and Arizona State University, Magaña previously worked in corporate America and taught graduate-level public speaking before setting roots in the Mile Square City. Now, as a Licensed Real Estate Professional at Boutique Realty, she has deep knowledge of the property landscape in Hoboken, and has seen the housing crisis up close. “I love Hoboken, and that’s why I want to take the issues I see and turn them into action,” said Magaña. “Every day I live another story that makes me want to run for City Council: a client who breaks down crying because they have to leave the city they love, a small business owner navigating unexpected city fees and bureaucracy, a mother asking me where her child can play safely. A rat running in front of my dog while I get pulled along for the ride! These stories are not statistics; they’re daily life here. I’ve known Michael for years, and I’m proud to be part of Team Russo, where we put both inclusivity and receptiveness first.” Magaña also sits on the Board of Community Lifestyle, extending her reach into the community and making a difference at the grassroots level.

Pete Keeling is a local entrepreneur and content marketing professional who has lived in Hoboken for the past 15 years. A graduate of Emerson College with a degree in Cinematography and Film/TV Production, Pete is the Owner/Operator of Bodega Cards, a thriving sports-first trading card store in the Jersey City Heights. “I used to have a small business in Hoboken—but had to close it due to the burdensome regulations, high costs, and lack of support from our City’s government,” said Keeling. “I see Washington Street increasingly dominated by corporate chains, and it’s clear that the City Council needs a new voice that knows firsthand the value of innovation, less red tape, and meaningful advocacy for small business owners. In addition, I’ve already stepped into a leadership role in my neighborhood, just in virtue of the fact that I’m willing to listen to feedback from my neighbors and advocate for them. I’m proud to be on Team Russo because Michael’s spent his entire career being a bold leader who cares about everyone in our city and pushing for meaningful change.” Pete is also a certified Steadicam operator and a passionate Crossfit athlete.

Dean Murray, a successful attorney at Hoboken’s very own Murray Law Firm, representing clients mostly in immigration and family law cases. “Hoboken is a small city brimming with talented individuals, and although it’s right next to New York, I love that we’ve maintained our neighborhood feel. I’m determined to keep our community as comfortable and affordable as possible for residents,” said Murray. “Unfortunately, we’re currently losing talented residents to nearby places like Brooklyn and Secaucus. The reasons are numerous: traffic, lack of parking, flooding, and housing prices —so I’m excited to run for City Council to tackle those major issues.” Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Murray earned his Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law, and is admitted to practice in both New Jersey and New York. While much of Murray’s time is spent protecting individuals in complex cases involving human trafficking, spousal abuse, and child abandonment, his community service extends across Hoboken. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees at The Sky Club on 1st Street, a community of 1,200 residents, where he has lived for over a decade. He also assists St. Ann’s Church with its various ventures, including the annual feast and volunteering at the Hoboken Homeless Shelter. “I’m proud to be on Team Russo as someone who shares Michael’s passion for service. Michael has spent the past 20 years giving back to this community—whether it’s sponsoring local nonprofits, getting festivals off the ground, or helping neighbors with everyday issues. We all look forward to serving our community even more!”

Ryan Cunningham, SVP/Managing Director at Powerhouse VFX, is running for the 6th Ward City Council seat. A leader in the film and television industry, Ryan oversees visual effects for major streaming and studio productions. His recent credits include Silo on Apple TV+, Netflix’s Wednesday and HBO's Mare of Easttown. A Hoboken resident for nearly a decade, Ryan lives in the 6th Ward with his wife and two young children. His campaign is focused on improving pedestrian safety, regulating e-bike use, strengthening sanitation, protecting open space, and—most urgently—investing in Hoboken’s youth. “I’m especially passionate about expanding access to youth programs,” Cunningham said. “After-school options, recreation leagues, and arts and leadership opportunities are essential for building confidence, community, and opportunity for the next generation. We need to do more and do better for our kids.” With years of leadership experience managing high-stakes, high-pressure creative projects, Ryan brings a results-driven approach to public service. “I’ve led large teams and delivered under tight deadlines with millions of dollars on the line. I’ll bring that same focus and accountability to City Hall, not just for my family, but for everyone.” He added, “I’m proud to be on Team Russo because Michael has both the modern vision and the institutional knowledge to lead Hoboken into a brighter future.”

The nonpartisan election for mayor, council 6th Ward, and council-at-large will be held during the 2025 general election on Nov. 4.

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Five Candidates To Run For Mayor Of Hoboken