Paterson council appoints Ibrahim Omar to Sixth Ward seat

The Paterson Municipal Council appointed Ibrahim Omar to the vacant Sixth Ward council seat on Feb. 18, voting 8-0 to fill the post until certification of the November 2025 election.

The council adopted Resolution 25:1 authorizing the appointment under the cited state law provision for filling municipal vacancies. Council members spoke in support before the roll call, citing Omar’s work in the ward, ties to community leaders and prior experience in local campaigns. Councilwoman Cotton said she had worked with Omar in the municipal office and welcomed him to the council. Councilwoman Davila and others described the appointment as the product of a neighborhood effort to keep direct representation in the Sixth Ward.

Omar addressed the chamber after the vote, thanking residents, family and council colleagues and saying he will represent Sixth Ward residents “with integrity, transparency and dedication.” He said he would continue attending meetings and engaging constituents while preparing for the November election.

The vote was taken after a roll call that showed eight yes, none opposed. The council recorded the appointment as effective immediately; Omar will be formally sworn in according to municipal procedure before taking his seat at subsequent meetings.

The appointment concluded a brief, topic-focused portion of the meeting and preceded routine business items and a lengthy public comment period.