Elvin Dominici Encarnación’s Bold Comeback: Aiming for Change in Jersey City’s Ward D

Elvin Dominici Encarnación is back on the campaign trail, determined to secure a seat on the Jersey City Council and amplify his voice for the community he deeply cares about. After a challenging run in 2021, where he fell short of an at-large position, Encarnación is now setting his sights on representing Ward D on the slate of mayoral candidate Bill O'Dea, a respected county commissioner.

Lessons Learned from the Last Election

Reflecting on his previous campaign, Encarnación emphasized that while he didn’t emerge victorious, the experience enriched his understanding of Jersey City’s political landscape. “It only deepened my understanding of the city's political landscape and strengthened my resolve to fight for my community,” he stated in response to questions via email.

Key Focus Areas

Encarnación's campaign will prioritize several critical issues:

• Public Safety: Advocating for measures that enhance safety in neighborhoods.
• Affordable Housing: Pushing for solutions to the housing crisis affecting local residents.
• Public Services: Improving resources and services that directly impact the community.

He expressed great admiration for Bill O'Dea, noting, “He’s someone I deeply respect for his tireless advocacy for affordable housing and for keeping our public spaces accessible to all residents.”

A Competitive Landscape

Though the non-partisan election is still a year away, several candidates, including current Ward D representative Yousef Saleh, have already started their campaigns. Saleh has occupied the Ward D seat since being appointed in 2020 and has indicated he is “most likely” running for reelection. The recently redistricted area now includes the entire northern tip of the city, encompassing neighborhoods such as the Heights, where both Saleh and Encarnación reside.

A Community Advocate at Heart

Encarnación, 45, identifies himself as “not a career politician,” asserting that his background in community activism makes him uniquely qualified for the role. He shared, “My life and my work have always been about community activism, not politics. I’ve been on the ground, helping people face-to-face with real issues.” His past initiatives include:

• Organizing tax preparation seminars for working families.
• Assisting immigrants with their citizenship applications.
• Advocating for reforms to enhance public safety.

A Personal Journey of Perseverance

Encarnación’s life story is a testament to resilience. From working at a car wash while learning English to earning an MBA and a master’s in accounting, he has consistently emphasized the importance of education and community. He remarked, “From my first job to advocating for immigration reform—my life has been about perseverance, education, and dedication to this community.”

Vision for the Future

As a candidate, Encarnación is committed to expanding resources for small businesses, particularly those owned by Latinos, which he believes are essential to the character of the Heights. He is also eager to implement a “true open-door policy,” encouraging residents to approach him with their concerns at any time. This approach reflects his desire to proactively address issues before they escalate.

His motivation to run stems from witnessing the struggles of families and children in the community, particularly regarding traffic safety. “When I lobbied to get a traffic light installed at the intersection of Poplar Street and Summit Avenue, it wasn’t as a politician, but as a concerned parent and community member,” he explained. “The successful installation of that light after gathering over 600 signatures showed me the power of grassroots activism.”

What’s Next?

As the election approaches, Encarnación aims to mobilize support based on his deep connection to the community and his proven track record of activism. His candidacy symbolizes hope for many residents who seek meaningful change in Jersey City.

What do you think?

• Will grassroots activism be enough to sway voters in Jersey City?
• Is Encarnación's background in community service a stronger asset than traditional political experience?
• How important is public safety compared to affordable housing in your community?
• Do you believe that open-door policies can truly lead to better governance?