ROSELLE – Roselle Mayor Jamel Holley officially announced his intention to run in 2015 for the State Assembly in the 20th Legislative District on Monday.
“The communities that make up the 20th Legislative District need continued strong representation in Trenton. I am humbled and excited to begin this journey toward providing them with the voice they need,” said Holley, 35, a Democrat who is currently in his first term as mayor of the Union County borough after serving two terms on the Borough Council, in a written statement. “This is a challenging time for our state with our economy lagging behind and many people still out of work. I am ready to bring the same spirit of collaborative leadership and energy that have been our keys to success in Roselle to the State Assembly, and will work to protect the interests of the people in Elizabeth, Union, Hillside and Roselle.”
Holley is running for the seat that was vacated by Union County Sheriff and former Assemblyman Joseph Cryan (D-20). He will be considered by the members of the Union County Democratic Committee for appointment to finish the current Assembly term at a convention on January 21, and has also begun circulating nominating petitions for the June 2015 Primary Election.
Holley works as the Director of the Department of Public Works for the Township of Irvington. He previously worked as a Principal at Front Porch Strategies, a governmental and community relations firm. He holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Kean University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from New Jersey City University.
State Sen. Ray Lesniak (D-20) and Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage both endorsed Holley hours after the Roselle mayor announced his LD 20 Assembly candidacy.
“I have known Jamel Holley for many years and he is one of the brightest, most dynamic young leaders in our Democratic Party,” said Lesniak in a written statement. “Jamel displays a real passion for helping people and supporting our state’s working families, and he has all the skills and experience necessary to be an outstanding legislator.”
“When you look at Roselle you see a borough on the rise with a great future, and that is directly attributable to Jamel Holley and the policies his administration has put into place,” said Bollwage in a written statement. “Now Jamel is bringing his energy and commitment to progress to the state legislature and I am excited to work with him for the benefit of Elizabeth and our entire area.”
The 20th Legislative District includes the municipalities of Elizabeth, Hillside, Roselle and Union.
