Joel is a long-time labor organizer — his entire working life has been spent in the labor movement. Born in Honduras, and raised in a Jewish family, his life and work experiences have led him to join DSA — and to organize proudly as a democratic socialist. He is running for Jersey City Council in Ward B on the Team O’Dea slate to fight for a city that works for working people, not just the real estate developers and one percent.

Joel and his partner Marisol, a registered nurse, along with their newborn daughter, Esme, are tenants who have made their home in the welcoming and diverse West Side of Jersey City. They have fought for their rights under Jersey City's antiquated rent control system — two years later with no justice, Joel's experience has shown him the status quo has failed. Our housing in Jersey City is unaffordable, our schools are underfunded, all while landlords and real estate developers keep getting richer and richer. 

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Big landlords, real estate developers, and corporations have too much power, while public school parents and students, workers, and tenants do not have enough. Our campaign is by and for working families in Jersey City and our priority is first to organize, then to legislate.