Ben’s Primary Rundown: The Primary on the Hudson
The Democratic Race in New Jersey’s 8th district has gone mostly under the radar for the last few weeks, as Congressman, and former State Assembly Speaker Albio Sires is running for a 9th term in Congress. Sires is facing a challenge in the Democratic Primary from Hector Oseguera, a Lawyer from Hudson County who is challenging Sires from the left. In recent weeks, this race has gotten more attention as Sires has reactivated his campaign twitter for the first time in decades as well as receiving a sizable amount of endorsements from Hudson County Democrats, as he seems to be facing his first competitive election in a while
The Democratic Primary Vote in this primary will be nearly entirely located in Hudson County, with nearly 80% of the 2018 primary vote being located in the county. Meanwhile Essex and Union Counties both make up about 10% of the vote with Bergen County making up only slightly above 1%. The district is a reliable Democratic Seat so the winner of the primary is virtually guaranteed to win the general election in November.
Sires has the organizational support of 4 county parties, as well as their line on the ballot. He also has the endorsements of Democratic elected officials in the District including Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop. Oseguera’s most prominent district endorsement is Jersey City Councilman James Solomon, whose endorsement had angered Hudson County Democraitc Officials, who criticized the endorsement on social media. Meanwhile Former Presidential Candidate Marianne Williamson has also endorsed Oseguera. Sires has been a fixture in Hudson County Politics for a while now, having Represented large parts of the district in the State Assembly in the early 2000’s, as well as serving as Mayor of West New York from mid 1995 until late 2006. Since then he has represented the area in Congress.
Overall I currently rate this race as Safe Sires. While the primary might be closer than usual, nothing appears to suggest that an upset is brewing. While Hudson County Democrats are coming out in force for Sires, that is not necessarily indicative of the race being tight, as there are numerous other primaries that day that they hope to win as well. While an upset is not impossible, it is not likely in this district, but with that said, this is still going to be a race I intend to watch on Election Night, and over the weeks following it.
