Paterson Sees Major Wave of Support as Mayor Andre Sayegh’s Re-Election Campaign Gains Powerful Momentum

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Paterson, New Jersey — With just days remaining before the municipal elections on May 12, Mayor Andre Sayegh’s re-election campaign has taken a significant turn, building undeniable momentum and consolidating strong citywide support as he seeks a third term in office.

What started as a results-driven campaign has now evolved into a citywide movement, fueled by broad community support from Paterson’s diverse neighborhoods and leadership sectors.

On Sunday, May 3, that momentum became highly visible as more than 50 vehicles participated in a major campaign caravan throughout the streets of Paterson in support of Sayegh and the “Team You Can Trust” slate, made up of mayoral candidate Andre Sayegh and At-Large Council candidates Maritza Davila, Lillisa Mimms, and Dominican candidate Jeyss Abreu.

The ticket represents the ethnic diversity of Paterson itself — with Davila bringing Peruvian and Puerto Rican roots, Mimms representing the African-American community, and Abreu strengthening Dominican representation within the city’s growing Latino population.

As the caravan moved through Paterson neighborhoods, residents came outside their homes, waved, and showed visible support, creating what many campaign supporters described as one of the strongest grassroots demonstrations of the election season.

The caravan concluded at Popeye Auto Body, where a large crowd — predominantly Latino and largely Dominican — gathered to show support for the mayor and his council team, signaling growing Dominican backing for the ticket.

But the campaign momentum did not stop there.

On Monday, May 4, Mayor Sayegh received one of the most significant endorsements of the race when 11 influential African-American pastors from Paterson churches publicly endorsed his re-election.

During the endorsement event, faith leaders emphasized unity, collaboration, and the need for continued leadership focused on public safety, infrastructure improvements, city resources, and support for public workers.

Several pastors praised Sayegh for his accessibility, responsiveness, and long-standing relationship with the faith-based community.

“We cannot do this alone. We must work together,” one pastor stated, stressing that Paterson’s future depends on unity, not division.

Other clergy members described Sayegh as a leader who answers the call when the community needs him, calling him not just a mayor, but a trusted partner and friend to the city’s faith leadership.

In response to the endorsement, Mayor Sayegh delivered one of the most personal speeches of his campaign, speaking openly about being raised by a single mother and the hardships his family endured.

He spoke about how faith shaped his life and referenced the Bible verse Philippians 4:13:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Sayegh also highlighted major accomplishments of his administration, including:

• 75 new affordable housing units for senior citizens
• The revitalization of Hinchliffe Stadium
• The creation of Paterson’s new Civil Rights Museum
• The redevelopment of abandoned properties into productive community spaces
• The opening of the Riverwalk at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park as a new tourism and economic driver

Then, on Tuesday, May 5, the political energy intensified once again during a packed event at Bonfire, where New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill delivered a major endorsement for Andre Sayegh and the Team You Can Trust slate.

The event brought together a highly diverse crowd of Paterson residents from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, reinforcing the campaign’s message of inclusion and citywide representation.

State Assemblyman Alaa Abdelaziz energized the room by advocating for four more years of Sayegh’s leadership, while State Senator Benjie Wimberly formally introduced Governor Sherrill as the crowd repeatedly chanted, “Four more years!”

Governor Sherrill praised Paterson’s leadership and stressed the importance of continued progress in housing, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

She highlighted the importance of strong government partnerships and continued investment in cities like Paterson.

Mayor Sayegh responded with a message centered on unity and representation.

“This is what Paterson looks like,” Sayegh told the crowd. “I don’t have to look like you to look out for you. As your mayor, I will continue fighting for everyone in this city, regardless of race, religion, language, or background.”

He emphasized Paterson’s diversity by acknowledging Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Palestinians, African-Americans, Jamaicans, and Koreans as essential parts of the city’s identity.

Sayegh also urged residents to take advantage of vote-by-mail and early voting, emphasizing that the campaign’s final days will depend on voter turnout and grassroots mobilization.

The night ended with another important political development when Fifth Ward Councilman Luis Velez officially joined the endorsement coalition, publicly backing Andre Sayegh, Maritza Davila, Lillisa Mimms, and Jeyss Abreu.

Velez also publicly rejected any alleged endorsement of council candidate Paula Alford, stating that a campaign video circulating on social media showing support for her had been posted without his authorization.

With a massive vehicle caravan, strong faith-based endorsements, state-level political support, and an increasingly united multicultural coalition, Paterson’s political landscape is sending a powerful message: Mayor Andre Sayegh’s re-election campaign has entered its strongest phase yet.

As Election Day approaches, one thing is becoming increasingly clear:

The race is entering its final chapter, and the momentum is firmly on Sayegh’s side.