JERSEY STRONG STATEN ISLAND: ANNEXATION GETS REAL
Trenton Lawmakers Eye Bold Rescue Mission From New York’s Socialist Slide
NOTE: This piece was first published on NYNewsPress.com.
By Richard Luthmann
THE GARDEN STATE STRIKES BACK
In a stunning political move that has sparked headlines across both sides of the Hudson River, New Jersey Assemblyman Robert Auth has introduced AR198, a formal resolution to explore the legal annexation of Staten Island.
The push—once dismissed as fantasy—has exploded into a legitimate bipartisan initiative backed by 21 GOP lawmakers and a growing coalition of Staten Islanders desperate to flee what they call “New York’s Socialist Nightmare,” according to reporting by NYNewsPress.com and Project Constitution.
Last week, Staten Island activist John Tabacco sent a formal letter to Assemblyman Auth urging New Jersey to rescue Staten Islanders from New York’s socialist descent.
New Jersey legislators responded. Requests from Tabacco and others served as the direct catalyst for the introduction of AR198 and the launch of the annexation effort.
“We are acknowledging numerous requests from Staten Islanders seeking relief from lack of representation,” Assemblyman Auth. “We will take the next few months to consult with the leaders of Staten Island on how they wish to proceed.”
The resolution would establish a Special Committee on Staten Island Annexation, empowered to dig deep into colonial-era grants, the 1834 boundary compact, and federal precedent to determine whether the long-disputed island may be legally returned to New Jersey.
JERSEY STRONG STATEN ISLAND: A PLAN TAKES SHAPE
The full text of AR198 makes no bones about its purpose.
“It shall be the duty of the committee to investigate and report on the historical, legal, and geographic claims of the State of New Jersey to Staten Island,” the resolution states. “The committee shall explore all lawful avenues by which the State of New Jersey may assert or pursue annexation… subject to the consent of its residents, the State of New York, and the United States Congress.”
The 12-member committee would be evenly split—six appointed by the Speaker and six by the Minority Leader—and charged with issuing a final report of findings and recommendations. That includes public testimony and legal briefings.
“We’re trying to fix what history broke, and radical socialists can easily destroy,” said Tabacco. “This is a full-fledged legislative investigation to protect liberty, life, and billions in private property.”
JERSEY STRONG STATEN ISLAND: THE COALITION
A wave of Republican legislators has already signed on as co-sponsors of AR198. The official signatories include:
Prominent New Jerseyans are also ready to accept Staten Islanders with open arms.
“The people of Staten Island suffer under NYC rule and culturally identify more with Jersey,” said Mike Crispi, a conservative media personality and leader of The America First Republicans of New Jersey. “Joining us would alleviate them of massive taxes, regulations, and allow us all to be a RED STATE!”
WHY NOW? THE AOC-MAMDANI FACTOR
The annexation push has intensified amid growing concerns about the radical shift in New York City’s politics.
The trigger? Democratic Socialist Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani—protégé of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—is now the frontrunner for Mayor.
Mamdani’s platform includes:
Abolishing the NYPD
Government-run grocery stores
Total rent freezes
Wealth redistribution via property zoning
“This is Havana on the Hudson,” said one Staten Island resident. “They want to make free enterprise illegal and private property obsolete.”
Tabacco’s message: Staten Island won’t go quietly. “We’d rather be New Jerseyans than be ruled by Communists.”
JERSEY STRONG STATEN ISLAND: THE LEGAL CASE
Supporters argue Staten Island’s 350-year-old link to New Jersey is more than emotional—it’s legal.
Tabacco’s team and lawmakers point to early Dutch land grants, the 1664 Charter of the Duke of York, and the 1834 Compact that divided Hudson River control.
The infamous “Billopp Boat Race” that supposedly won Staten Island for New York? Myth, they say.
“The Duke of York never had the authority to assign Staten Island to New York,” said one historian. “This was political convenience masquerading as law.”
If Congress, the states of New York and New Jersey, and the residents of Staten Island themselves consent, annexation is legally viable under Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution.
REALITY CHECK: WILL NEW YORK LET GO?
No one expects Albany to surrender a borough without a fight. Staten Island contributes billions in tax revenue and occupies a key strategic location in the harbor.
But New Jersey insiders believe that rising public pressure—and the optics of an exodus from progressive policies—could change the game.
“If 500,000 people vote with their feet and their voices, it’s hard to ignore,” said one Trenton strategist.
And the pressure is mounting. A petition is already circulating. Rallies are being planned.
“We’re not asking to move a border for fun,” said Tabacco. “We’re trying to save an entire American community from authoritarian decay.”
We made calls to several elected officials on Staten Island. None commented.
JERSEY STRONG STATEN ISLAND: NEXT STEPS
The resolution will now move through the Assembly process. If passed, the committee must form within 30 days and begin work immediately.
“At the conclusion of its work, the committee shall develop and publish a report containing its findings and recommendations,” AR198 states.
Supporters are preparing legal briefs, expert testimony, and historical documentation to support their case.
If the report supports annexation, a full legislative process—and likely a referendum in Staten Island—would follow.
Tabacco is confident: “We are planting the flag of liberty and common sense. Let’s see who wants to rally to it.”