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Bhalla will be primarying incumbent Rob Menendez (D-Jersey City), the son of Senator Robert Menendez, who was recently indicted on federal corruption charges. The younger Menendez, who has represented the 8th district since 2023, has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Menendez announced in September he was running for re-election for a second term and has already received endorsements from numerous elected officials in Hudson County.
In a video announcement, Bhalla, who was elected mayor in 2017, took a thinly veiled swipe at Sen. Menendez in his announcement video, saying he believed America was better than politicians who strive to only serve themselves.
“We are at a pivotal moment in our nation, facing rising sea levels, rising inequality and rising hatred,” Bhalla said. “For Congress to rise to the challenge, we need new voices and new leadership—leadership that is focused on making real progress on solving problems and ensuring that all New Jerseyans and Americans no matter their skin color, ethnicity, gender, whom they choose to love, or where they started in life can still realize the American Dream.”
The 8th congressional district covers Hudson County, Elizabeth and a portion of New York. Whoever wins the Democratic primary is expected to be a shoo-in for the general election, as the seat has been listed as "Solid Democrat" by the Cook Political Report.
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