As Rep. Rob Menendez (D-Jersey City) seeks re-election this year, he’ll once again have the backing of one of his most dogged and deep-pocketed supporters.
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus BOLD PAC, a group dedicated to electing more Hispanic House Democrats and expanding the ranks of the CHC, announced today that it is endorsing Menendez for re-election amid threats of another primary challenge against the congressman.
“BOLD PAC is offering our full support for Rob Menendez because he’s not only a proven champion for Latino communities, but the future of Latino leadership,” BOLD PAC Chairwoman Linda Sánchez said in a statement. “Re-electing Rob is a top priority for BOLD PAC. He’s a proven champion for Latino communities and has led efforts to push back on Trump’s extreme immigration agenda. We are fully committed and ready to support his campaign.”
In 2024, Menendez faced a stiff primary challenge from then-Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, and BOLD PAC was one of his most committed backers. Two independent expenditure groups affiliated with the PAC collectively spent more than $1 million boosting Menendez and blasting Bhalla, which helped tip the financial playing field decisively in Menendez’s favor despite Bhalla’s substantial fundraising; the congressman went on to win by a healthy margin.
This year, there’s talk that Menendez could once again have to get through a difficult primary, potentially against former Jersey City school board president Mussab Ali. While that challenge has yet to officially materialize, Menendez has been building up a formidable show of support in the meantime, earning endorsements from seven local mayors in his district, the chairman of the Hudson County Democrats, and two major unions that had stayed neutral in 2024.
BOLD PAC’s endorsement, and the money that could follow if Menendez does indeed need to fight for re-election, could be another safeguard against a serious challenge. Menendez had around $600,000 in his own campaign account as of the end of September.
Menendez is one of two Hispanic politicians currently representing New Jersey in Congress, alongside Rep. Nellie Pou (D-North Haledon), and one of only four total in history; his predecessors in his Hudson County district were now-West New York Mayor Albio Sires and now-disgraced former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez.
Menendez also serves as a member of the CHC’s leadership team, taking on the role of vice chair for policy in the wake of the 2024 elections.
