State Senator Endorses For Stronger Schools Slate
Sen. Raj Mukherji backs a four-candidate slate in the Jersey City Board of Education election on Nov. 3.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Administration
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New Jersey State Senator Raj Mukherji, a Democrat representing District 32, has endorsed the For Stronger Schools slate for the Jersey City Board of Education. He first signaled support via an Instagram story last month and publicized the endorsement ahead of the polls.
Why it matters
Mukherji said Jersey City needs change, and his foremost priority this year is fixing the school funding formula and urban school construction. The endorsement adds to backing from Assemblywoman Katie Brennan, Hudson County Commissioner Yraida Aponte-Lipski, and Ward E Councilwoman Eleana Little.
The For Stronger Schools slate of four candidates is competing for four seats on the Jersey City Board of Education, with Verdibello seeking a one-year term. Yasmine Clark is running independently for a three-year term, and the extraction does not report any results.
The players
Raj Mukherji
Mukherji is a Democrat representing District 32 in the New Jersey State Senate and has focused on school funding reform.
The details
Mukherji first expressed support for the slate via an Instagram story and later made the endorsement public in a statement to Hudson County View. The For Stronger Schools slate also has the backing of Brennan, Aponte-Lipski, and Little, while Bill O'Dea endorsed Williams, Taube, Verdibello, and George Blount.
Timeline
October 2026: Mukherji first expressed support via an Instagram story.
November 1, 2026: Mukherji publicly elaborated his endorsement ahead of the polls.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Polls open for the Jersey City Board of Education election.
Season Trajectory
Local school board endorsements by state legislators reflect the continuing New Jersey debate over the school funding formula. The Jersey City race is one place where that statewide question is being fought out at the board level.
Jersey City voters will choose among competing slates for four Board of Education seats on November 3. Voters should check their polling places and candidate information before election day.
The takeaway
Voters weighing school board races can look at which candidates' priorities align with state funding and construction needs. Endorsements from state and local officials are one signal to consider alongside each candidate's own platform.
What happens next
Polls for the Jersey City Board of Education election open on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more on Administration for Jersey City school board context.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hudson County View.
Live Poll
Do you think Jersey City schools need significant change in math and reading?
