In a move that could reshape the political landscape of Hudson County, North Bergen businessman Larry Wainstein has launched a bid for the State Assembly in New Jersey’s 33rd District, securing a key endorsement from Union City Mayor and State Senator Brian Stack. This sets the stage for a high-stakes primary battle between two of the county’s most powerful political forces—Stack and North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco.

Wainstein will be running alongside incumbent Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez (D-West New York), challenging Assemblyman Julio Marenco (D-North Bergen) in the June 10 Democratic primary. Stack’s endorsement signals a direct challenge to Sacco’s influence, reigniting a decades-long rivalry between the two North Hudson powerbrokers.

The 33rd District showdown is the latest chapter in the long-standing feud between Stack and Sacco, who have clashed over political turf for years. Their rivalry peaked in 2022 when redistricting placed them in the same legislative district, ultimately leading to Sacco’s reluctant retirement from the State Senate. As part of the transition, Sacco ensured that Marenco, a staunch ally, secured an Assembly seat.

By backing Wainstein—a businessman and three-time challenger to Sacco in North Bergen mayoral elections—Stack is making a strategic play to chip away at Sacco’s stronghold. While Wainstein has yet to succeed in unseating Sacco, his ability to command a significant share of North Bergen’s vote makes him a valuable asset in Stack’s bid to consolidate power.

With Union City comprising nearly 31% of the district’s registered Democrats, Stack’s political machine, bolstered by allies in West New York (18%) and Weehawken (8%), commands a substantial voting bloc. Combined, these municipalities represent 57.4% of the Democratic primary electorate.

Wainstein’s historical performance in North Bergen—where he has consistently secured around 30% of the vote—positions him as a formidable challenger to Marenco. If Stack’s operation can mobilize voters effectively, the Wainstein-Rodriguez ticket could prove difficult to beat.

Wainstein, the son of Argentinian immigrants, has long campaigned on a platform of community service and government reform. His philanthropic efforts and ability to self-fund his campaigns—he spent over $600,000 of his own money in both 2019 and 2023—make him a competitive candidate in a high-profile primary.

“I help people. My parents taught me to give back to my community,” Wainstein said. “Nothing makes me feel better than helping out a constituent. No problem is too small or too big.”

Stack echoed this sentiment, calling Wainstein a leader “dedicated to helping residents and showing compassion for those in need.”

While Stack has made his play, Sacco and his allies have yet to finalize their response. Marenco still needs a running mate, and potential contenders include former Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez and former West New York Commissioner Margarita Guzman, both of whom lost their commissioner races in 2023. Whoever joins Marenco on the ballot will likely share a campaign slogan with Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, a Democratic candidate for governor.

As the battle intensifies, key political figures in Hudson County are aligning behind their respective camps. Stack’s faction includes West New York Mayor Albio Sires and Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner, while Sacco retains support from Guttenberg Mayor Wayne Zitt and Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli.

With primary day still months away, the Stack-Sacco power struggle is poised to dominate Hudson County politics. As Stack pushes to dismantle what he calls the “old style of politics controlled by party bosses,” Sacco’s camp is preparing for a fight to maintain its foothold. The stakes have never been higher, and the outcome of this race could have lasting implications for the political future of North Hudson.