This podcast interview features Andrés Acebo, a Hudson County native and son of Cuban immigrants who reflects on his upbringing and his path to leadership at New Jersey City University (NJCU). Acebo discusses how his parents’ sacrifices and his public school background in Union City instilled in him a resilient “hustle” and a deep commitment to education as an equalizer. After becoming the first in his family to graduate from college, he returned to his roots to serve as a lawyer and eventually the youngest leader in NJCU’s history. He details the institution’s recent struggles with debt and enrollment, highlighting […]

CTE Supervisor Patrick Oriani shares how Union City High School’s Career Technical Education (CTE) program is reshaping traditional schooling through student-run businesses, hands-on training, and strategic industry partnerships. From a pandemic-era virtual cooking class to a thriving culinary academy, the program exemplifies how experiential learning, resilience, and community collaboration can prepare students for both college and careers. Learn how a bottom-up approach is empowering students to lead, innovate, and succeed in the modern workforce.

HudPost sits down with Hector Oseguera to reflect on the 2020 congressional run that helped spark a progressive wave in Hudson County. They discuss the recent election results in Jersey City and Hoboken, the fall of machine politics, and the structural changes that allowed progressive candidates to break through. Oseguera also shares insight into the origins of the movement, challenges faced by early progressive candidates, and what the future may hold for local politics.

Hoboken councilmember and mayoral frontrunner Emily Jabbour joins HudPost to reflect on her path from social work to city hall, the values shaping her campaign, and her vision for more responsive, hyperlocal leadership in Hoboken.

Elvis Alvarez, a 25-year law enforcement veteran and candidate for Hudson County sheriff, joins the show to discuss his run to become the county’s first Republican sheriff in over a century. Alvarez reflects on his upbringing in West New York, his years as a police officer and detective, and the community values shaping his campaign. He also addresses misconceptions about his political affiliation and speaks on key endorsements from North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco and outgoing Sheriff Frank Schillari.

Longtime public servant and Jersey City mayoral candidate Bill O’Dea joins us for an in-depth conversation about his life, career, and vision for the city. O’Dea shares stories from his childhood growing up on Baldwin Avenue, attending St. Joe’s and St. Peter’s Prep, and how early experiences—from delivering newspapers to working in Lincoln Park—shaped his view of politics as a way to help people. Now in his ninth term as a Hudson County Commissioner, O’Dea reflects on decades of service and how those experiences inform his campaign to become Jersey City’s next mayor.

We speak with Mussab Ali, the youngest person ever elected in Jersey City and now a mayoral candidate. Ali reflects on his journey from a high school student at McNair to a Harvard Law graduate, cancer survivor, and now a progressive contender in one of New Jersey’s most competitive local races.

HudPost spoke with Giovanni Ahmad, Board Chair of North Hudson Community Action Corporation (NHCAC), and Rebecca Acosta, NHCAC’s Executive Vice President, about how the ongoing federal government shutdown is threatening access to critical health and social services in North Jersey. Together, they highlight the urgent need for public advocacy and continued community support during this uncertain time.

In this episode, we sit down with Ward E Councilman and Jersey City mayoral candidate James Solomon for a refreshingly personal and grounded conversation. Solomon opens up about his childhood, family, and the life-changing battle with lymphoma that inspired his commitment to public service. From his wife Gaby’s love for Jersey City to his fight for affordable housing, government transparency, and small business growth, Solomon shares what drives him to challenge Hudson County’s political machine and push for meaningful change.

Hosted by the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, this special episode brings you the full recording of the 2025 Hoboken Mayoral Forum, held on September 10 at Hoboken Grace Church. Moderators Emory Edwards (Hudson County Chamber of Commerce) and James de los Santos (Founder of HudPost) guided an engaging discussion on the key issues shaping Hoboken’s business and community landscape — including affordability, economic growth, transportation, tourism, and workforce development. Featuring all five declared candidates in the Hoboken mayoral race: Tune in to hear each candidate’s vision for Hoboken’s future, their plans to support local businesses, and their ideas for […]