Trenton, NJ – Today, New Jersey voters sided with environmental activists and progressive leaders, electing Ron Bautista and Alex Valdez for Hudson County Commissioner.

Ron Bautista has been a consistent ally of Food & Water Action and played a key role in the winning campaign to stop NJ Transit’s proposal to build and operate a new fracked-gas power plant in Kearny. Additionally, he was an outspoken advocate in the multi-year fight to stop the $11 billion I-78 Turnpike Expansion project in Hudson County that was stopped by grassroots advocacy earlier this year.

Alex Valdez, who also helped stop NJ Transit’s proposed gas plant in his hometown of Kearny, is committed to addressing rising food and energy costs, improving water infrastructure, and fighting Trump’s MAGA agenda on the Hudson County Board of Commissioners. With the cost of living on everybody’s mind, Alex is ready to work towards a Hudson County that prioritizes the needs of working families over the interests of corporate developers.

“Communities throughout Hudson County are increasingly finding themselves on the front lines of the climate and affordability crisis. These communities need elected leaders that have the courage to stand up to the polluters and their profit-hungry agenda, and put everyday New Jersey families first. Ron Bautista and Alex Valdez have proven to be these courageous voices, and we are excited for them to lead Hudson County,” said Sam DiFalco, North Jersey organizer with Food & Water Action.