Mayor Of North Jersey Town For 35 Years Makes Surprise Retirement Announcement

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — A man who's been mayor of one of the most densely populated cities in the country since 1991 announced his retirement Thursday night.

North Bergen Mayor and former State Sen. Nicholas Sacco said he will retire on Oct. 28.

First elected to local office in 1985, Sacco — as a part-time mayor — has overseen a city of five square miles and around 63,000 people, including a sizable senior population.

Sacco said he supports Commissioner Hugo Cabrera to succeed him as mayor.

Sacco said Thursday night that he had intended to finish his four-year term, but health issues change his mind.

He made the announcement in front of hundreds of supporters at his annual Mayor’s Ball fundraising event.

“Serving as mayor of North Bergen has been the honor and privilege of my life," Sacco said, "and I cannot thank the people of this community enough for the tremendous support they have given me over the years, which has enabled us to do so many wonderful things."

He added, "When we overwhelmingly won re-election in 2023 I fully intended on completing this term in office. However, recent health challenges as well as many conversations with family, friends and colleagues have led me to decide that it is in the community’s best interest for me to pass the baton."

Sacco is a Democrat, although he had endorsed Republican Jack Ciattarelli in the recent governor's race.

Son Steps Up

Cabrera said, “I have had the opportunity to learn so much about public service from being at Mayor Sacco’s side for so many years ... I look forward to working with Governor Mikie Sherrill, our state legislators, county leaders and neighboring mayors to build on the progress we’ve made and create an even brighter future for North Bergen."

He also said he endorses Sacco's son, Nick Jr., a school principal, to replace his father on the five-member Board of Commissioners.