Hudson County, NJ — A political transformation is underway at the top of Hudson County’s law enforcement leadership, and it’s brimming with promise. Republican candidate Elvis Alvarez, a decorated Hispanic law-enforcement veteran, is poised to bring change to the Sheriff’s Office—will he be backed by none other than outgoing five-term Sheriff Frank Schillari, who recently crossed party lines?

Frank Schillari: A Proven Public Servant Embraces Republican Values

After 15 years serving as Hudson County Sheriff—first elected in 2010—Frank Schillari has announced his switch from the Democratic to the Republican Party in July 2025, following a narrow loss in the June 10 Democratic primary to Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis. At age 78, Schillari emphasized that his decision was rooted in principle, not politics:

“Leadership isn’t about party lines … my oath never mentioned a party, it mentioned the people. That’s who I serve.” 

Republican county leaders quickly embraced Schillari’s move. Hudson County GOP Chair Jose Arango praised his switch as evidence of the GOP’s inclusive values, calling it “proof that the Democrats are a shrinking party” and affirming that the Republican Party is “here for all New Jerseyans who want commonsense, lower taxes, lower crime”—a message echoing concerns many residents hold. 

Elvis Alvarez: A Strong Republican Candidate with Local Roots

Running in the November 4, 2025 general election, Elvis Alvarez is the Republican nominee for Sheriff. A veteran West New York police officer with over two decades of service, Alvarez steadily rose through the ranks—eventually earning respect as a juvenile detective and community youth coach. He won his primary with over 95% of the vote. 

Sheriff Frank Schillari’s recent party switch and the GOP wave building across Hudson County, Alvarez brings the law enforcement experience, community dedication, and common-sense approach voters are seeking.

The Road to November: A Shift in Hudson County Politics

Schillari’s loss in the June 10 Democratic primary was close: he received about 46% of the vote versus Jimmy Davis’s 53%—roughly 31,200 votes to 32,600.  His campaign had highlighted past sexual harassment allegations and an overturned jury verdict involving Davis. Schillari’s team ran mailers calling Davis a “creep” and referencing lawsuits; although Davis was cleared and the $500,000 verdict vacated, the messaging resonated with many voters concerned about accountability. 

Why Republicans Are in a Strong Position

Bipartisan credibility: With Schillari’s switch, Republicans now carry the voice of an experienced, long-tenured sheriff who understands both sides of Hudson County politics. Law-and-order focus: Alvarez’s roots in policing and Schillari’s emphasis on public safety and fiscal discipline align with growing community concerns over crime and cost of living. Fresh alternative: Jimmy Davis, while Democratic nominee, remains shadowed by allegations of inappropriate text messaging and workplace conduct. Those controversies—though legally resolved—continue to be raised by opponents.  Changing political currents: The GOP’s inclusive message, spearheaded by local leaders like Chair Arango and the switch by Schillari, signals new momentum across Hudson County. 

What’s at Stake in November

On November 4, 2025, Hudson County voters will decide whether to embrace a new chapter of law enforcement leadership. With Elvis Alvarez representing a fresh law-and-order vision and Frank Schillari lending decades‑long credibility to the cause, the Republican ticket offers a compelling alternative to continued Democratic control. Hudson County hasn’t had a Republican Sheriff since 1904, can history be made this November? The only other question remains, will Sheriff Frank X. Schillari publicly endorse Elvis Alvarez for Sheriff along with other Republican candidates for the November election?

July 25, 2025 – Hudson County, NJ

Following FMBA President Ed Donnelly’s recent TAPinto article “Recipe for Change”, Assembly candidate, U.S. Marine veteran, and EMT Marco Navarro is calling out what he says is a “fraudulent, backpedaling rewrite of reality,” accusing Donnelly of hypocrisy, political gamesmanship, and intimidation behind closed doors.

In an exclusive response to HUDTruth, we contacted Navarro and he didn’t mince words.

“Let me be absolutely clear, I will never, ever stand in the way of an EMS essential service bill. I’ve been advocating for this long before Ed Donnelly ever decided it was politically convenient,” Navarro said. “But I also believe the public and the membership deserves the truth. Donnelly’s sudden support is nothing but a strategic pivot after he spent months bullying a legislator and working behind the scenes to kill the exact same bill he now pretends to support.”

According to Navarro, the same formula being promoted now by Donnelly and the FMBA was already brought forward earlier this year by a principled legislator who was ready to act, until Donnelly inserted himself, demanding control and ultimately sending what Navarro describes as “a condescending and derogatory letter designed to silence and intimidate.”

“If Ed Donnelly thinks he can rewrite history, he’s dead wrong. The record exists.”

Navarro emphasized that his frustration lies not with the FMBA as an institution, which he vocally supports, but with Donnelly’s leadership, which he characterized as driven by ego and control rather than service and solidarity.

“Let’s be honest, the only fake news here is Ed Donnelly pretending he’s always had EMS in his corner. The only political games being played are by him,” Navarro said. “When it wasn’t his idea, he shut it down. And now that it fits his agenda, he wants to be crowned the savior of EMS. That’s not leadership. That’s cowardice masquerading as courage. He did the same with the 9/11 Bill. Someone else pushed for it, he bullied his way into the bill and excluded the person from having credit for the bill.”

And Navarro says the FMBA membership sees right through it.

“Since my original statement, I’ve received **countless phone calls from FMBA members, both firefighters and EMS, all telling me the same thing: ‘You’re right. Ed’s behavior isn’t right.’ There is a growing wave of members fed up with his shady tactics, backroom deals, and bully-boy politics,” he said.

As a final note, Navarro hinted that his journey with the FMBA is just getting started, and that Donnelly may soon find himself facing real internal accountability.

“I fully support the FMBA. In fact, I’m looking forward to becoming a member myself soon as a firefighter or EMS. And when I do? Let’s just say Ed won’t be the only one eyeing that leadership role. He’s got a real challenger coming, one who won’t bully, who won’t lie, and who will put all of our members first.”

Navarro closed by reaffirming his support for the EMS essential bill, and his refusal to let egos derail progress.

“This fight is bigger than one person’s pride. It’s about EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, real people who deserve recognition and respect. Ed Donnelly wants to make it about himself. I’m here to make it about them.”

In what can only be described as a political earthquake in one of New Jersey’s deepest blue counties, Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari has officially changed his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. This decision is not just a personal move—it’s a powerful reflection of a growing shift happening not just in Hudson County, but across the entire state and country. A longtime public servant and familiar face in Hudson politics, Sheriff Schillari’s decision sends a clear message: the Democratic Party of today no longer represents the values of many of its traditional supporters.

For decades, Hudson County has been synonymous with Democratic machine politics—often riddled with corruption, backroom deals, and insider favoritism. In fact, the political establishment in the region has been more focused on protecting its power than serving the people. Sheriff Schillari’s departure from the party is a signal to voters that even those within the system are waking up to its flaws. It’s not just Republicans pointing out the dysfunction anymore—now, respected figures from within are making their stand.

According to a political insider who is familiar with a majority of the elected officials in Hudson County and wishes to remain anonymous, there is a significant number of current officeholders who, in their hearts, align with traditional Republican values. However, due to the overwhelmingly high Democratic voter turnout in the county, many are forced to run as Democrats just to ensure electoral viability. This insider told Hudson County Truth Media that what’s happening in Hudson County is a reflection of a broken political system—not just locally, but across the nation—where those aspiring to serve the public are often pressured to align with the majority-party label, even if it contradicts their personal convictions.

Adding to this conversation, Hudson County native and Republican candidate for Assembly in District 37, Marco Navarro, also a supporter of Sheriff Schillari and EMS provider in the Hudson County area, has also spoken out on the role of the sheriff in local government. Navarro has previously stated that the office of sheriff should not be politically aligned at all. “A sheriff must always prioritize public safety and law enforcement,” Navarro said. “They are entrusted with overseeing countywide law-enforcement operations, managing jails, court security, and ensuring the safety of the people—not promoting a political agenda.” Navarro has argued that sheriffs should be elected strictly based on law-enforcement merit: experience, education, training, and a proven record of leading effective public safety organizations. Not political allegiance. As both Sheriff Schillari and Candidate Marco Navarro has previously stated during the primaries campaign, “KEEP POLITICS OUT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT!”

Sheriff Schillari’s switch mirrors a nationwide trend. Across the country, lifelong Democrats—many from working-class backgrounds and deeply patriotic families—are walking away from the party they once called home. They’re doing it not out of partisanship, but out of principle. They see a Democratic Party that has drifted far from kitchen table issues—public safety, affordable living, parental rights, secure borders, and economic stability—and into the realm of radical, far-left social experimentation. For many, the Republican Party has become the new home for common sense.

Let’s be clear: this is no small-time switch. Sheriff Schillari is not just any elected official. He is one of the highest-profile officials in Hudson County, and a symbol of trust for many residents. His decision gives momentum to Republican candidates across New Jersey, many of whom are campaigning in areas that, until recently, seemed unwinnable. This is the type of leadership shift that can help break the one-party grip that has held New Jersey hostage for decades.

As GOP momentum grows, we cannot ignore the numbers. Recent polling consistently shows that former President Donald Trump is viewed more favorably by New Jerseyans than Governor Phil Murphy. Voters are fed up with Murphy’s out-of-touch agenda—skyrocketing property taxes, a bloated state budget, and policies that put criminals before law-abiding citizens. Sheriff Schillari’s decision reflects a broader frustration with the failed leadership of Trenton and the stale promises of Democratic insiders.

From Cape May to Bergen, there is a new energy pulsing through New Jersey’s Republican movement. Voters are standing up and saying “enough.” Enough with career politicians who cater to special interests. Enough with policies that hurt working families. Enough with being ignored. Sheriff Schillari is now part of that movement—and it’s only growing stronger.

This is more than a party switch. It’s a sign of things to come. Sheriff Schillari joins the ranks of Americans who are reclaiming their voice and their values. And as 2025 approaches, the message is simple: New Jersey is ready for a change. Hudson County is ready for a change. And the red wave is rising.

It’s time.