IRVINGTON, NJ — It’s that time of year again, when challengers throw their names into the mix while incumbents consider whether to run for re-election. For state Assemblyman Jamel Holley, there was never any doubt.
“I can’t believe how time flies; today makes two years that I have been serving you in the state Assembly, working to represent our communities and fight for the values we share,” said Holley on Thursday, Feb. 23.
According to Cynthia Brown, the East Orange city clerk, nominating petitions for those intending to run in the primary election on Tuesday, June 6, are now available. “Petitions are due 64 days prior to the primary (Friday, March 31), by 4 p.m.,” said Brown on Monday, Jan. 9. The petitions became available Jan. 1.
The gubernatorial, Assembly and Senate elections will be held Nov. 7.
Holley has been involved in local government for years. In addition to serving as assemblyman for the 20th Legislative District, which includes Elizabeth, Hillside, Union and Roselle, the former Roselle mayor is also the director of the Irvington Department of Public Works. Because the local Democratic Party is so powerful, if Holley wins the primary on Tuesday, June 6, his re-election is virtually guaranteed.
Holley last week paid homage to a mentor, former Hillside Democratic Committee Chairwoman and Union County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Charlotte DeFilippo, who died Wednesday, Feb. 22.
“Our former Union County Democratic chair and great friend, Charlotte DeFilippo, passed away this week and we should all take a moment to remember her legacy of building our party and our communities,” Holley said Thursday, Feb. 23. “Charlotte helped so many young people like me grow into leaders and, without her support and guidance, I could not be in the position I am in today. She was strategic! She knew what it took to build coalitions and win tough elections. Her guidance made so many things possible and I am thankful to have known her.”
“Leaders like Charlotte DeFilippo inspire me to keep working every day for, to make her spirit live on through the work.”
Holley added that he hoped she would inspire Union County residents to come out and vote in the Democratic primary and subsequent election.
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