About Jake

I’m proud to be a teacher, union organizer, democratic socialist, and neighbor here in Jersey City Heights. I fight for working people to win more of what we deserve. In our community, new developments are going up all over and buildings are constantly under construction, while the streets are filled with potholes and trash, public services and transportation don’t meet our needs, and the rent just keeps rising—I know mine has.

Ever since I had the privilege of calling the Heights my home, I became active in the community. I fought to close the inhumane immigration jail in our county, knocked doors for housing justice, and led the citywide campaign for a tenant’s Right to Counsel. With so much at stake nationally and internationally, I also organize locally for a ceasefire in Gaza and for expanded rights for our non-citizen neighbors. I’m always looking to be part of the positive change we need in our community, be it as a teacher here in Jersey City, and as a candidate for council.

I believe that when working people come together, we have the strength to take on big business interests that exploit and divide us. Our diverse community reflects the hopes of dreams of working people across the world, and it’s on us to stand united and win a world where we have the power, not the capitalists who see our neighborhood as just one more investment.

From the Heights to the Slopes, I love our neighborhood. I love taking in the 4th of July fireworks in Riverview Park, watching the sunset in Mosquito Park, running into neighbors and friends up and down the Ave. This special place should grow and develop through people power, not profit motives.