Bloomfield Dem organization wins 2 of 3 ward council seats

A fierce Democratic primary for three ward council seats pitting Gov. Mikie Sherrill, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Assemblyman Michael Venezia (D-Bloomfield), and the local Democratic organization against U.S. Senator Andy Kim. Rep. Analilia Mejia (D-Glen Ridge) and State Sen. Britnee Timberlake (D-East Orange) ended in a 2-1 split: the organization-backed slate won two seats where incumbents were running, and the progressive insurgent captured the open 2nd Ward seat.

Incumbents Rosalee Gonzalez (1st Ward) and Sarah Cruz (3rd Ward) won handily, but progressive Greg Babula won the 2nd Ward seat.

Despite the two wins, the results remain a concerning sign for Venezia, the Bloomfield Democratic municipal chairman. Venezia narrowly won his own primary last year and won held his own 2nd Ward county committee seat by sixteen votes. Still, the results protect the council majority of Mayor Jenny Mundell.

Gonzalez defeated Stefanie Santiago, 91-780, 54%-46%, and Cruz defeated Stef Bootwala, 908–663, 57%-42%.




https://newjerseyglobe.com/local/bloomfield-dem-organization-wins-2-of-3-ward-council-seats/