Working-class New Jersey bar becomes unexpected center of political change
A small tavern in northern New Jersey shows how local political preferences shifted in an area near NYC. Local bartender and single mom shares her first-hand view of community changes
At Murphʼs Tavern in northern New-Jersey customers celebrate unexpected political shift in their area (which sits near NYC). The place has become a symbol of change in what used to be solid blue territory
Maria Russo — a local bartender whos been watching the areas transformation from behind the counter — sees clear reasons for this change. Working as single mom of two kids in Passaic County she understands her neighbors situations: many face similar day-to-day challenges. The communityʼs mood becomes obvious when you look at regulars gathering around high-top tables; their conversations often drift towards economics and daily struggles
The taverns location — just across from Manhattanʼs towering skyline — makes it a perfect spot to observe how working-class neighborhoods views have changed. Local residents dont just talk about politics here; they live through economic realities that shape their choices
