Award-Winning Journalist Daniel Israel Joins Team O’Dea as Ward E Council Candidate
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
Award-winning journalist Daniel Israel is stepping out from behind the headlines to run for Jersey City Council in Ward E as part of “Team O’Dea.” A proud, openly gay resident of downtown Jersey City, Israel is focused on enforcing rent control, demanding more affordable and workforce housing in new developments, improving pedestrian and cyclist safety, and ensuring real government transparency. He fully backs Commissioner and candidate for Jersey City Mayor Bill O’Dea’s plans to rework the municipal budget cycle, increase government transparency and hold developers accountable.
“I’m tired of sitting in dismay as a reporter while I write about local happenings wishing for a better outcome,” said Israel. “So I’m putting down my pen and running for local office to be the change I seek in the world. I’m proud to stand with Bill O’Dea and his team to fight for a more affordable, transparent, and safe Jersey City.”
O'Dea praised Israel’s commitment to accountability and advocacy. “Daniel has been holding public officials’ feet to the fire for years—and now he’s ready to do the same from inside City Hall,” said O’Dea. “He’s smart, hardworking, and unafraid to speak truth to power. Ward E needs a fighter like Daniel Israel.”
A respected reporter for outlets including the Hudson Reporter, Bayonne Community News, TAPinto.net, and the Associated Press’ Election Desk, Israel has been recognized for four consecutive years by the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists for his outstanding work in Hudson County. His honors include awards for Best Coverage of Municipal Government and Outstanding Rookie Reporter.
In addition to his work as a journalist and advocate, Israel has remained committed to mentoring the next generation of young writers. He regularly returns to his former high school to work with students involved in the yearbook, newspaper, and other creative programs—sharing his experiences and helping them sharpen their skills as they prepare for college and beyond.
Now that Israel is running for office, he will no longer be covering Jersey City for the duration of the campaign.
“Jersey City is at a crossroads,” Israel added. “Only Team O’Dea has the slate of fighters to get the job done right.”