Fil-Am force delivers as Lavarro and reform slate take over Jersey City

Jersey City, NJ - Filipino American organizers from New York played a key role in a historic election victory in Jersey City, where former Councilman Rolando Lavarro and the entire reform slate swept the December 3 runoff, reshaping the city’s political landscape.

On November 29, volunteers from the Filipino American Democratic Club of New York (FADCNY) crossed state lines to help turn out voters for Lavarro in the final stretch of the campaign. Joined by South Asians for Harris, AAPI Power Our Vote, Assemblymember Steven Raga, and Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, the group spent the day knocking on doors and speaking with residents about the future they wanted for their community.

A few days later, Jersey City delivered a decisive outcome. James Solomon was elected Mayor, and Rolando Lavarro, Mamta Singh, and Michael Griffin won all three At-Large Council seats a sweeping victory that signals a shift toward more inclusive leadership across one of the nation’s most diverse cities.

Lavarro’s Victory and Its Impact

Lavarro, who made history in 2011 as Jersey City’s first Asian American and first Filipino American councilman, centered his campaign on affordability and government accountability. He spoke to voters frustrated by rising property taxes, rent burdens, and what many described as policies that favored developers over ordinary residents.

“Voters chose affordability over the status quo,” Lavarro said after the win. “Now we’re ready to deliver real change: more affordable housing, stable taxes, and a government that works for working families.”

His return to citywide office also reinforces a broader legacy of AAPI representation in Jersey City, a legacy that includes leaders such as the late Michael Yun, the first Korean American to serve on the council.

AAPI Coalition Marks 'New Era' in Regional Political Power

Eric Salcedo, cofounder of AAPI Power Our Vote, said the movement behind the election reveals growing political strength among Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in both New Jersey and New York.

“The collaboration of Filipino Americans, South Asians, and AAPIs from across state lines marks a new era for the political empowerment of our communities,” Salcedo said.

“In this runoff, we re-elected the first Asian American and Filipino American council member in Jersey City and elected the first Indian American. We have proven that our values are American values. When we run, we win.”

Building Bridges Across the Hudson

Throughout the canvass, volunteers said the initiative underscored how interconnected Filipino and AAPI communities are across the region. For many, supporting Lavarro’s campaign served as a reminder that political wins in one state can strengthen representation in another.

“Even from New York, we are connected,” said FADCNY President Michelle Amor. “We share families, stories, and a common goal of building more representation for our communities. Ending our final canvass of the year with this victory gives us real momentum heading into 2026.”

Looking Ahead

FADCNY leaders say they will continue strengthening Filipino American political engagement on both sides of the Hudson River. With Lavarro’s win and the reform slate’s sweep, they believe the momentum for AAPI political empowerment is only beginning.

“As we move into the next election cycle,” the group said in a statement, “FADCNY remains committed to building Filipino American political leadership across state lines and ensuring our communities always have a seat at the table.”