O’Donnell bows out of assembly race in the 31st District

Incumbent Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell told the Hudson Reporter this week that he will not seek reelection in the June Democratic primary.
O’Donnell lost the support of the Hudson County Democratic Organization, which is supporting Nicholas Chiaravalloti instead.
The 31st District includes all of Bayonne and portions of Jersey City.
O’Donnell has represented the district since 2010. Closely associated with former Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith, O’Donnell was passed over for HCDO support when current Bayonne Mayor James Davis chose to endorse Chiaravalloti instead.
HCDO support is seen as critical for obtaining the Democratic nomination.
O’Donnell said he would continue to remain active and will seek other ways to serve his community.
“Community service is what I’ve always been about,” he told the Hudson Reporter. “If I can’t serve in this capacity, then I’ll find another way to be a service.” – By Al Sullivan