Republican Assembly Candidate Condemns Brian Stack Letter, Calls for Term Limits

March 9, 2025 – A recent letter from Union City Mayor and State Senator Brian P. Stack to Republican voters has sparked political controversy and drawn sharp criticism from a Republican candidate running for the New Jersey State Assembly in the 37th District. The candidate has condemned Stack’s request for Republicans to temporarily switch party affiliation to vote in the Democratic primary as an example of political manipulation and a sign of the entrenched political machine dominating New Jersey politics.

In the letter, Stack urged Republican voters to change their party registration to Democrat so they could support his handpicked Assembly candidates, Gabriel Rodriguez and Larry Wainstein, in the June 10th primary. Stack even promised to assist voters in switching back to Republican registration after the primary.

“How can you help?” Stack wrote in the letter. “If possible, I’m asking you to temporarily switch your party affiliation from Republican to Democrat so you can vote for my Assembly candidates. If you’d like, I will help switch you back to Republican the day after the primary.”

The letter, which was sent to Republican households in Hudson County, prompted outrage from political opponents who viewed the request as a blatant effort to manipulate the election process and strengthen Stack’s political influence.

The Republican candidate from the 37th District, a former U.S. Marine and EMT, was quick to respond with a strong statement condemning Stack’s tactics and calling for urgent political reform.

“This is exactly why I’m running for State Assembly,” the candidate said. “Brian Stack’s letter is a perfect example of the political machine that has controlled New Jersey for far too long. Political bosses like Stack have used backroom deals and party-switching games to consolidate power and control who gets elected. This is not democracy — it’s manipulation.”

The candidate framed Stack’s letter as further evidence of why New Jersey needs term limits at all levels of government — from municipal offices to state government.

“Voters — both Democrat and Republican — need to stand up and put an end to lifelong career politicians who serve themselves, not the people,” the candidate stated. “When I’m elected to the Assembly, I will introduce legislation to establish term limits for all elected offices. We need fresh leadership and real accountability — not more of the same political insiders recycling power among themselves.”

The candidate accused Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin of enabling political maneuvering and weakening the state’s political integrity through their policies. The candidate promised that, if elected, their first order of business would be introducing term limit legislation and dismantling the political structures that have allowed long-standing politicians to control the system.

Stack’s letter also raised concerns among election law experts. While New Jersey election law allows voters to change their party affiliation, encouraging mass party-switching to influence a primary raises ethical and legal questions.

“This is why we need proper checks and balances,” the candidate added. “Political machines like this thrive when there are no consequences for career politicians. Term limits would prevent this kind of political manipulation and force politicians to serve the people — not their own interests.”

Stack has not publicly responded to the criticism, but his letter underscores the growing tension between establishment politicians and grassroots reform efforts within New Jersey’s political landscape. With the June primary fast approaching, Stack’s request and the fierce pushback from Republican candidates are likely to remain flashpoints in the upcoming election cycle.

The Republican candidate concluded their statement with a direct promise to voters: “Enough is enough. When I walk into Trenton, I’ll be fighting for the people — not the political machines.”