The Fulop for Governor campaign is announcing three more Assembly candidates who will run alongside Democratic gubernatorial candidate Steven Fulop in next year’s Primary Election. Brandon Saffold and Carolyn Rush will run for State Assembly in the 1st Legislative District in Cape May County and Rohit Dave will run for State Assembly in the 27th Legislative District in Essex County. With this announcement, Team Fulop has now recruited 34 Democratic candidates running in districts throughout the state.
“Our campaign is about breaking free from the grip of political machines and empowering real leaders who prioritize the needs of New Jersey’s communities over political agendas,” said Mayor Steven Fulop. “These candidates embody the change we need—people who fight for progress and who see every barrier as an opportunity to create meaningful solutions. By supporting leaders who respond to the people, not the political bosses, we’re ensuring that New Jersey voters have a true choice and a path forward.”
Rohit Dave (LD-27) is a technology and finance leader empowering small businesses and startups, with a passion for building community. Dave, a Millburn resident, leads strategic initiatives at Square and Cash App to provide better financial access to millions of businesses and individuals across the country. As a former attorney, Dave is committed to public service, having served at The White House as an intern at the Office of Science and Technology Policy and as a volunteer at the Jersey City Employment and Training Program. An advocate for equity, he has fought food insecurity as a former board member of Rescuing Leftover Cuisine and has volunteered and fundraised for nonprofit organizations expanding educational opportunity for underserved communities. As the son of immigrants, Dave is driven by economic inclusion and is committed to a more innovative and accountable government that bridges gaps in access to housing, transportation, and education.
Carolyn Rush (LD-1), a proud working-class New Jersey native and year-round resident of Sea Isle City, has spent her life standing up for fairness and equity. Rush built a 35-year career as an engineer in the Intelligent Transportation and Defense industries, contributing to innovations like EZPass and the Aegis Program, which ensured the safety of those who serve our country. Rush’s dedication to her community extends far beyond her professional achievements as she co-chaired the Eileen Frank ALS Foundation, raising over $1 million for research, and founded the Helping Hand Housing Project to support unhoused individuals and veterans. Her advocacy work reached new heights when she played a key role in successfully challenging New Jersey’s unconstitutional county party line, helping to make elections fairer and more transparent for all. Fueled by compassion and a determination to address the inequities around her, Rush continues to fight for the residents of South Jersey and for a government that is truly accountable to its people.
Brandon Saffold (LD-1) is a fourth-generation Coast Guard veteran and current student at Princeton University. Following in his family’s footsteps by joining the U.S. Coast Guard, Saffold participated in critical missions, including drug enforcement, migrant interdictions, and hurricane relief efforts, earning the Humanitarian Service Medal and the Armed Forces Service Medal for his work during the response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico. After completing his service, Saffold began his educational journey at St. Petersburg College before transferring to Princeton University in 2022, where he became the first Coast Guard veteran transfer student in the school’s history. Now studying politics, he is passionate about using his experiences to address the challenges faced by all residents of South Jersey, from rising housing costs to the need for better infrastructure and job opportunities. Deeply rooted in Cape May County, Saffold is committed to making a difference in the community he has always called home.
Dave, Saffold and Rush join State Assembly Candidates Andrew LaBruno (LD-39), David Jiang (LD-39) and David Tingle (LD-18), Steve Pylypchuk (LD-25), Donald Bonomo, Esq. (LD-38), Loretta Rivers (LD-17), Ron Arnau (LD-40), Steve Barratt (LD-24), Debra Di Donato (LD-10), Vonetta Hawkins (LD-4), Rosalee Keech (LD-9), Bruce Weekes (LD-2), Brittany Claybrooks (LD-34), Frank Vélez (LD-34), Tamar Warburg (LD-37), Daniel Park (LD-37), Lisa Bonanno (LD-2), Brian K. Everett (LD-4), Rashan Prailow (LD-5), Rebecca Holloway (LD-6), Kevin Ryan (LD-6), Eddie Freeman III (LD-8), Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato (LD-31), Assemblyman John Allen (LD-32), Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez (LD-32) and Assemblyman Julio Marenco (LD-33) in aligning with Mayor Fulop in the 2025 Primary Election.
Team Fulop also announced four County Commissioner candidates who will run alongside Steven Fulop including former Palisades Park Mayor Chris Chung in Bergen County, former BCDO State Senate candidate John Vitale in Bergen County, former Closter Councilwoman Dolores Witko in Bergen County, and in Somerset County Veteran Affairs Medical Doctor Dhaval Amin.
The Fulop campaign will be announcing additional candidate endorsements soon.
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Three new state assembly candidates have officially joined Team Fulop, according to a recent report by Insider NJ. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop’s political team continues to grow as the election season heats up.
The three new candidates bring a diverse set of skills and experiences to the table, further bolstering Team Fulop’s campaign efforts. With their addition, Fulop’s team is poised to make a strong impact in the upcoming state assembly elections.
One of the new candidates is a seasoned community organizer with a proven track record of grassroots mobilization. Their expertise in building coalitions and engaging with voters at the local level will be invaluable to Team Fulop’s outreach efforts.
Another new candidate brings a background in public policy and advocacy, with a focus on issues that directly impact residents in the district. Their knowledge and experience will be crucial in shaping Fulop’s platform and addressing the needs of constituents.
The third new candidate is a rising star in the political arena, known for their innovative approach to campaigning and ability to connect with voters across party lines. Their energy and enthusiasm will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective to Team Fulop’s campaign.
Overall, the addition of these three new state assembly candidates demonstrates Fulop’s commitment to assembling a strong and diverse team to represent the interests of their constituents. As the election season progresses, Team Fulop will undoubtedly continue to make waves in the political landscape.
