A Filipino American is campaigning hard in Jersey City in New Jersey state in the United States hoping to win a City Council seat on May 2.

Lavarro, 38 and a long-time Jersey City resident, is hoping to make history to be the first elected Filipino American councilman in this city.

Earlier this year, some Filipino American community leaders from the area rallied to place Lavarro in the ballot, securing him as the only Filipino American candidate.

They hope to get the support of all Filipino American voters.

“I believe this time, the Filipino candidate will make it because we will see to it that only one candidate will be running for the council. Unlike before, a number of candidates are running against each other so the votes and support of the communities are divided,” said Lavarro’s supporter, Rudy Nicholas.

The Filipino community is the largest Asian American subgroup in Jersey City - about eight percent of the city's population.

Lavarro, a former councilman's aide, is running with Democrat Luis Manzo’s team. They are challenging the team of the current popular mayor, Jeremiah Healy.

Lavarro is hoping all eligible Filipino Americans will register and will go out to vote for him.

His supporters believe that will make a difference in this election.

“He has a big chance. Because I find that Rolando Lavarro is sincere, frank, honest, straight to the point with no exaggeration. He can explain his views about his policies, his goals and future hopes for the Filipino people in Jersey City,” Jersey City resident Teddy Santos said.

But these Filipinos are not supporting Lavarro not just because he is Filipino. They believe that he is the real deal. They believe Lavarro will work to deal with everyone's concerns, including rising crime rate and higher taxes.

“I think if anybody could help to bring about some change, not just for our community, but for Jersey City, I think Rolando is a great candidate for that,” said another supporter Julman Tolentino.