For decades, North Bergen has been a focal point of political intrigue in New Jersey, with its mayor, Nicholas Sacco, at the center of numerous corruption allegations. As Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop campaigns for governor on a platform of challenging the political establishment, his relationship with Sacco raises questions about the authenticity of his outsider narrative.
A Town Plagued by Allegations
North Bergen’s political ecosystem has long been criticized for its entanglement of public office, nepotism, and patronage. Investigations have revealed a web of Sacco’s family members and close allies occupying taxpayer-funded positions. Public records show 10 of Sacco’s relatives collectively earn $800,000 annually in salaries. Sacco’s allies mirror this pattern, with figures like Hugo Cabrera and Frank Gargiulo placing multiple relatives in high-paying public jobs.
Critics allege that employment in North Bergen’s public institutions often depends on political loyalty. Employees have reported feeling pressured to attend Sacco’s fundraisers, campaign on his behalf, and contribute financially to his political machine. “The way that he wields power is through patronage, the use of favors, job placement, and the brokering of loyalty,” said an anonymous insider.
Former U.S. Attorney Chuck Rosenberg has called for investigations into Sacco’s practices, citing patterns that “cry out for scrutiny.” Allegations of nepotism, financial mismanagement, and coercion have raised broader concerns about the governance of Hudson County.
Fulop’s Tightrope Walk
Amid this backdrop, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop has positioned himself as a reform-minded candidate for governor, seeking to disrupt entrenched political power structures. However, Fulop’s recent praise of Sacco complicates his anti-establishment image.
In October, at Sacco’s annual mayor’s ball, Fulop lauded Sacco’s leadership and highlighted the support of key Hudson County mayors aligned with Sacco. Sacco, in turn, declared Fulop the “next governor of New Jersey,” underscoring their political alliance. This moment stands in stark contrast to Fulop’s campaign rhetoric about challenging the status quo.
Political Divisions in Hudson County
The Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO) itself appears fractured, with Sacco backing Fulop’s gubernatorial bid while other key leaders, including County Executive Craig Guy and Union City Mayor Brian Stack, have endorsed U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer. These divisions highlight the complex dynamics within Hudson County politics and Fulop’s challenge of maintaining reformist credibility.
A Reckoning for North Bergen
As Fulop attempts to distance himself from the taint of Hudson County’s political machine, North Bergen remains emblematic of systemic issues in local governance. Sacco’s tenure, marked by overlapping roles as mayor, state senator, and school administrator, has come under increasing scrutiny. Allegations of nepotism, sexual harassment, and coercive political practices have raised concerns about accountability and the misuse of public resources.
While Sacco continues to wield significant influence in Hudson County, the growing spotlight on his administration’s controversies may become a liability for Fulop’s gubernatorial campaign. For voters, it remains to be seen whether Fulop can navigate these political landmines while delivering on his promise to bring meaningful reform to New Jersey.