Jeffrey jones mayor of paterson biography

Former city mayor Jeffery Jones on Thursday night said he is running for the seat held by longtime congressman Bill Pascrell Jr.

Jones said he will run as a Democrat to challenge Rep. Pascrell in the June primary for the 9th congressional district seat.

“If that doesn’t work, independent is an option,” said the former mayor.

He said his run for Congress began as a “simple what if” which culminated in today’s announcement after more than two weeks of rumors.

Jones pulled out two miniature American constitutions from his pocket. “I read nothing that implies or speaks to that the term of office is a lifetime appointment,” he said taking aim at the popular incumbent.

“Part of this campaign is to break the cycle of incumbency.”

Pascrell, a former city mayor, has been in office for 20 years. Jones said he has worked on the congressman’s campaign several times, but when he sought assistance as 1st Ward councilman he did not receive much help.

̶ In Paterson upset, Jeff Jones defeats Mayor Joey Torres SEC