In a move that defies political tradition, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop officially named Sheena Collum, the mayor of South Orange, as his lieutenant governor running mate—well ahead of the Democratic primary. The announcement, made Wednesday in South Orange, signals Fulop’s commitment to bold, policy-driven leadership and a fresh approach to state governance.
Breaking the Mold in New Jersey Politics
Unlike past gubernatorial candidates who typically wait until after winning the primary to select a running mate, Fulop is charting his own course. His choice of Collum, a fellow mayor known for her hands-on leadership and progressive ideas, reflects a focus on municipal-level problem-solving at a statewide level.
The announcement took place in the lobby of a redeveloped apartment building, which Collum described as a symbol of inclusive housing and smart urban planning—two key issues she and Fulop aim to prioritize.
A Policy-Driven Team with a Vision for New Jersey
Collum wasted no time diving into policy discussions. She emphasized the need for municipal consolidation, pointing out that New Jersey’s 564 municipalities could benefit from more streamlined governance. While merging towns and school districts has long been a contentious issue, Collum made it clear that she and Fulop believe it’s time to take a bold, practical approach to cutting costs and improving efficiency.
Housing policy is another cornerstone of the Fulop-Collum platform. While many initiatives focus on low-income housing, Collum stressed the urgent need for more middle-class housing, advocating for homes priced between $200,000 and $400,000 to support working families.
Transportation also took center stage. As a train rumbled past during the event, Collum addressed the challenges facing New Jersey Transit, calling for a commuter-focused approach. She painted a vivid picture, saying the agency should view a typical rider as a pregnant woman commuting to work and tailor improvements accordingly.
Taking on the Competition
While lieutenant governor candidates don’t typically engage with primary opponents, Collum didn’t hold back when asked about other contenders. She acknowledged Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who currently represents South Orange in Congress, as a strong leader but suggested she would better serve New Jersey by remaining in the House of Representatives.
She also praised Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who has been a formidable challenger in the race, even jokingly lamenting that New Jersey lacks ranked-choice voting, which would have allowed voters to consider multiple candidates.
A Candid and Accessible Approach
Both Fulop and Collum are positioning themselves as accessible, results-oriented leaders. Collum even offered her personal phone number to reporters, echoing a tactic once used by Kim Guadagno, New Jersey’s first lieutenant governor. The move reflects a willingness to engage directly with the public, a quality that could distinguish her in a race where many voters are unfamiliar with lieutenant governor candidates.
Fulop summed up his choice succinctly:
“We’re partners,” he said, emphasizing that his administration, if elected, would be policy-driven and rooted in a collaboration between urban and suburban leadership.
With the race heating up, Fulop’s unconventional strategy and Collum’s wonk-driven, no-nonsense approach could make them a formidable team in New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial election.