Primary Election Profile: Crystal Fonseca Wants To Serve Hoboken, Jersey City In Assembly

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — Six local Democrats are running to be the the party nominees for two 32nd District Assembly seats on the November ballot. The 32nd District includes Hoboken and part of Jersey City.

Patch will profile each of the six candidates.

Below are candidate Crystal Fonseca's answers to the questions. She's running on a slate with Hoboken Library Director Jennie Pu. Even though there are three slates, Democratic voters can pick any two nominees in the June 10 primary.

Background

Right now, Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez and Assemblyman John Allen, two Democrats, represent both towns, but Allen has decided not to run for another two-year term. Ramirez is now running on a ticket with Jersey City Ward D (Heights) Councilman Youssef Saleh.

Bhalla, who has said he won't run again for the mayoral spot, is running for Assembly on a ticket with Jersey City-based housing expert Katie Brennan.

Finally, Hoboken Library Director Jennie Pu is running with Jersey City Director of Buildings and Street Maintenance Crystal Fonseca. They have the backing of the well-funded political group, the Hudson County Democratic Organization.

In the primaries, candidates from each party compete to get the most votes to represent their party on the General Election ballot in November.

Residents who hope to vote in the New Jersey primary elections — including for governor and for local legislative posts like Assembly — must cast their ballot by or on June 10.

Profile: Crystal Fonseca

Name: Crystal Fonseca

Age: 40

Current town: Jersey City, NJ

Town where you grew up: Newark and Jersey City

Educational background: Bachelor’s degree from Saint Peter’s University; currently pursuing a master’s degree.

Government or local experience:

Currently Division Director of Buildings and Street Maintenance at the

Jersey City Department of Public Works; former Vice Chair of the Newark
Board of Education

Current full-time job: Division Director, Department of Public Works, Jersey City

Family information: Raised by her grandparents, who adopted four foster children; took on a
caregiving role for her siblings after her grandmother's passing.

Campaign website: Hudson County – LD32 – Jennie Pu & Crystal Fonseca

1. What differentiates you from the other candidates running in the Democratic primary?

I bring a unique combination of lived experience and public service. Raised by my grandparents, I stepped up to help raise my younger siblings after my grandmother's passing. Balancing work, education, and family responsibilities, I earned my degree from Saint Peter’s University, and I am pursuing a master’s degree. My career in public service, including my roles as Division Director of Buildings and Street Maintenance at the Department of Public Works and former Vice Chair of the Newark Board of Education, has been dedicated to improving the lives of working families. My background equips me to understand and address the challenges our communities face.

2. What are the biggest issues in the 32nd District Assembly race, and how do you intend to solve them?

Key issues include affordable housing, education, and healthcare. I will advocate for stronger rent protections and inclusive development to address housing affordability. To improve education, I support fully funding public schools, expanding mental health services, and providing more resources for special education. In healthcare, I aim to expand access and affordability, ensuring that all residents receive the care they need. My approach is rooted in equity and practical solutions that reflect the needs of our diverse communities.

3. If there is anything else you'd like voters to know, you can use this space, but please keep it to 200 words or fewer.

I'm committed to bringing the voices of everyday people to Trenton. My journey—from caring for my siblings to serving in city government—has been about resilience, dedication, and a deep understanding of our community's needs. I'm running to ensure that policies are made with the input and interests of those they affect most. Together, we can build a more equitable and thriving 32nd District.

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Here is the primary election timeline.