The were no surprises in today’s election. Unofficial results had all candidates with the backing of either the Hudson County Democratic Organization or the Jersey City Education Association winning by comfortable margins.
Craig Guy, who ran unopposed, was elected as the next Hudson County Executive and will take office in January. Guy will succeed current County Executive Tom DeGise.
“I could not be more thankful to the people of Hudson County for entrusting me with the honor and responsibility of serving as your next County Executive, and I pledge to work tirelessly to deliver the progress that our residents need and deserve” said Guy.
All nine Democratic candidates for County Commissioner — Kenneth Kopacz, William “Bill” O’Dea, Jerry Walker, Yraida Aponte-Lipski, Anthony Romano, Fanny Cedeno, Caridad Rodriguez, Robert Basilice and Albert Cifelli — won. Only three had opponents.
In races for two state Senate seats in the 31st and 32nd Legislative Districts, Democrat Angela McKnight bested Republican Luis Soto and Democrat Raj Mukherji dispatched Republican Ilyas Mohammed. Neither race was close with both appearing to win by 5 to 1 margins. Both McKnight and Mukherji previously held seats in the state Assembly.
Democrats Barbara McCann Stamato and William Sampson easily won two Assembly seats in the 31st Legislative District, defeating Republicans Sydney Ferreira and Angelique Diaz along Jersey City Board of Education Vice President Noemi Velazquez and Bayonne Board of Education Trustee Mary Jane Desmond who ran as independents.
In the 32nd Legislative District, newbies John Allen and Jessica Ramirez cruised to victory, overwhelming Republican Robert Ramos.
In the hard-fought race for three Board of Education seats, Jersey City Education Association backed candidates Dejon Morris, George Blount, and Alpa Patel appeared to have emerged victorious over a crowded field including incumbent Gina Verdibello and Lorenzo Richardson.
Approximately 15 percent of registered voters turned out for the election.