A group of leaders representing some of Jersey City’s Latino community today endorsed Steven Fulop for Jersey City mayor in the non-partisan May election. 

The endorsements come from current and former elected officials, public servants, political and community leaders, including the only elected Latino leader on the city Democratic committee, the past president of the Jersey City Roberto Clemente Little League, and the president of the oldest Latino parade in the state – The Jersey City Puerto Rican Day Parade.

The current and former elected officials endorsing Fulop are City Councilwoman Nidia Lopez and former Councilmen Jamie Vazquez and Junior Maldonado.

“Over the years that I have had the pleasure to serve with Steven Fulop on the City Council, I have gained a tremendous amount of respect for him,” said Lopez, who ran on Mayor Jeremiah Healy’s ticket in the previous election. “I have seen how hard he fights for his constituents and much he cares about every resident of the city. I know Steven will be a terrific mayor and I am proud to support him.”

Maldonado said Fulop has built bridges over the years with members of the Latino community because he understands that Jersey City’s strength is its diversity.

“Steven Fulop will be an inclusive mayor who will reach out to all the diverse communities in Jersey City to ensure we all have a seat at the table,” Maldonado said. “Jersey City can only be great when all its residents feel they have a say in the direction of the city.”

Fulop also received an endorsement from several Latino public servants, including former deputy mayors Alma Santana and Anthony Cruz, Jersey City Rent Leveling Board Chair Glenis Polanco, and Larry Nunez, a former aide to Mayor Healy and Board of Education candidate. Also endorsing Fulop is the only Latino elected leader of the JCDO, Esmeralda Trinidad, the vice chair of the Jersey City Democratic organization.

Latino community leaders also expressed support for Fulop, including Ric Ayala, president of the Puerto Rican Parade; and Danny Rivera, past president of the Roberto Clemente Little League,

Last week, Fulop was endorsed by Hudson County Freeholder William O’Dea and Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, one of the most prominent African-American religious leaders in the state, along with more than a dozen Jersey City clergy. Fulop has also been endorsed for mayor by U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr., a Democrat whose district extends into portions of Jersey City.