Joel Brooks and Jake Ephros Endorse Katie Brennan for State Assembly
Jersey City council candidates Joel Brooks (Ward B – West Side) and Jake Ephros (Ward D – Heights) announced their endorsement of housing expert Katie Brennan for State Assembly in the 32nd legislative district, citing her independence from Hudson County’s political machine and her track record on affordable housing.
The endorsements are the latest show of grassroots momentum behind Brennan’s campaign, which has the support of community leaders, independent candidates for local office, and advocates for housing and transit in Jersey City and Hoboken.
“While other candidates talk about housing, Katie’s been doing the work,” said Joel Brooks, labor organizer and Ward B council candidate. “She helped push for stronger inclusionary zoning laws in Jersey City so the new towers in Journal Square would include affordable units, and she was in the fight to save rent control in Hoboken. She knows how policy works, she shows up when it matters most, and she gets things done.”
“Katie’s not taking money from party bosses or big developers, and that’s a big deal, especially here in Hudson County,” said Jake Ephros, teacher, organizer, and Ward D council candidate. “Katie gets that the system isn’t working for working people, and she’s running to fix it. I’m proud to endorse her for State Assembly.”
Brennan, a nationally recognized housing expert, has led efforts to create affordable housing across the state and within Hudson County. Last week, she unveiled her housing platform that calls for strengthening tenant protections, building new affordable homes across the state, and cracking down on corporate landlord abuses and the use of rent-setting algorithms.
"People are getting priced out of Jersey City and Hoboken while our elected officials in Trenton look the other way," said Katie Brennan. "I’m running to change that, and I’m proud to have Joel and Jake standing with me.”
The Democratic primary will be held on June 10, marking the first state-level election without the party line on the ballot.