Jersey City Council Election Profile: Jake Hudnut

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Jersey City's municipal election is set for November 2 and the candidate field is full.

With election season in full swing, 24 candidates filed and made it onto November's ballot. There are nine open spots on the City Council and the race of Mayor.

Jake Hudnut is running for the Ward E council seat, which is currently served by James Solomon. Hudnut is running under the slogan "Team Fulop." Hudnut will run against Incumbent Solomon for the seat.

Patch sent a candidate profile form to each person who met the filing deadline. We will be posting them individually through the election season. Each one is published in the candidate's own words, but may be shortened for space.

Here is Hudnut's profile:

Age (as of Election Day)

38

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Tyler, partner, 32

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

N/A

Education

Montclair State University (BA); Seton Hall Law (JD)

Occupation

Attorney, 2010 - present

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Jersey City Prosecutor, 2018 - present (appointed)

Campaign website

jakehudnut.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

While I have loved my work as city prosecutor, enforcement is reactive. It responds to things that have already happened. I am running for council because I want to be proactive. There are issues coming that will affect my neighborhood: housing, education, increased storm intensity, and more.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Our longevity. We need to make sure we are resilient against climate change (specially flooding as we are a coastal neighborhood), there are enough schools to retain families, and that families and small businesses can afford to stay here.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The current councilman is not working to solve these issues. On the other hand, as councilman as I will work on tackling these tough issues so that my city has longevity. My record as prosecutor shows that I am a proven problem solver who can get things done, even in the face of stakeholders that I may not always agree with.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

The current councilman is not working to solve these issues. On the other hand, as councilman as I will work on tackling these tough issues so that my city has longevity. My record as prosecutor shows that I am a proven problem solver who can get things done, even in the face of stakeholders that I may not always agree with.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I am committed to 21st century policing. This means modern public safety that meats the moment, but doesn't sacrifice the safety of our neighborhoods.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Worked with the NJ Attorney General to issue with a statewide policy on procedures for downgrading or dismissing marijuana possession; launched a citywide Quality of Life Taskforce to tackle the worst slum lords and local polluters; enforced the state and city executive orders during the COVID-19 pandemic in a cooperative matter than brought residents and businesses together.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

It's OK to have butterflies in your stomach; just get them all to fly in one direction.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My hobby/passtime is mixology and serving friends and family classic cocktails.

To contribute candidate information, suggestions, and more, email: samantha.mercado@patch.com NOTE: All photos MUST include both who took the photo, and whether we have that person's express permission to use it, or they may not be used.