Brian Stack’s Delusional Denial: The King of Hudson County’s Political Machine Tries to Rewrite History

In a stunning display of political gaslighting, Union City Mayor and State Senator Brian P. Stack recently mailed voters a letter titled “Lies, Lies and More Lies,” in which he astonishingly claims he has “fought the political machine” and denies any real connection to disgraced former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez.

Let’s be clear: Brian Stack’s denial is not just misleading — it’s an insult to the intelligence of every voter in Hudson County.

FACT 1: Brian Stack’s Career Was Built on Bob Menendez’s Mentorship

For decades, Brian Stack has openly and proudly aligned himself with Bob Menendez. Menendez was instrumental in launching Stack’s political rise in the 1980s and 1990s. Without Menendez’s political machine backing, Stack would not have climbed to power as Union City Mayor and State Senator.

Stack and Menendez shared political stages, campaign endorsements, and fundraising efforts for years. Public statements over the past two decades document Stack praising Menendez as a “friend” and “dedicated public servant.” To now claim that he is being unfairly “linked” to Menendez is nothing short of revisionist history — or, frankly, delusion.

FACT 2: Stack Publicly Endorsed Bob Menendez’s Reelection in 2018

In 2018, as Bob Menendez faced a bruising reelection after his first federal indictment and mistrial on corruption charges, Brian Stack didn’t abandon him — he rallied behind him.

“Menendez made mistakes, but no one can deny his dedication to the people of New Jersey,” Stack said publicly during Menendez’s reelection fight (Source: InsiderNJ).

Not only did Stack endorse Menendez, but he helped shore up Hudson County support, a critical Democratic power base that allowed Menendez to survive politically.

FACT 3: Stack Currently Endorses Bob Menendez’s Son, Rob Menendez

Even as Bob Menendez’s legal troubles deepened, Stack pivoted smoothly to the next generation of the dynasty — enthusiastically endorsing Rob Menendez for Congress.

In 2021, Stack publicly backed Rob Menendez’s campaign to replace Albio Sires in the House of Representatives, praising the younger Menendez’s “intelligence and energy” (Source: New Jersey Globe).

And as recently as December 2023, Stack doubled down:

“He’s a great friend to Union City, and I will have his back and look forward to making sure he’s re-elected in November,” Stack said (Source: Hudson County View).

For Stack to now claim he’s a political outsider to the Menendez family is not just dishonest — it’s laughable.

FACT 4: Brian Stack Is Hudson County’s Ultimate Political Machine Boss

Stack’s letter laughably claims he has fought the “political machine.” But the truth is: Brian Stack IS the political machine.

Stack has been both Union City Mayor and State Senator since 2008 — a dual-office arrangement most states prohibit. While New Jersey banned dual-office holding in 2007, Stack was grandfathered in and allowed to keep both positions (Source: HudPost).

As mayor, Stack controls the distribution of massive amounts of state aid:

Union City receives over $300 million annually in state funds. The school district alone gets about $241.8 million to serve ~11,000 students (Source: Wikipedia).

Stack’s political empire is notorious for handing out jobs, contracts, and favors to loyalists, building an iron-fisted network that rivals anything Nicholas Sacco or Bob Menendez ever assembled.

FACT 5: Stack’s Inner Circle Is Collapsing Under Scandals

Stack’s own administration is no stranger to controversy. Multiple appointees and allies have faced accusations of mismanagement, patronage, and political retaliation. His tight grip on Union City extends into local boards, city contracts, and even the schools — a web of control that defines machine politics.

Yet in his mailer, Stack has the audacity to paint himself as a rebel fighting against corruption. This level of denial borders on self-delusion — or perhaps worse, a cynical bet that voters have short memories.

FACT 6: Stack’s Advisors Should Be Fired

If Stack’s team approved this mailer, they have done him a massive disservice. To deny years of documented public endorsements, photos, speeches, and political teamwork with Menendez is political malpractice. Anyone advising him to issue this letter should be fired immediately.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Political Hypocrite

Brian Stack’s attempt to rewrite history should enrage Hudson County voters.

For decades, Stack has been Bob Menendez’s ally, enabler, and friend. He has backed the Menendez dynasty at every critical moment, from Bob to Rob.

He is not the victim of a political machine — he is the machine.

Voters should demand accountability, honesty, and an end to the tired political gamesmanship that Stack now exemplifies. If Stack truly wants to fight the political machine, he can start by looking in the mirror.