A superior court judge has ruled that Mayor Cory Booker did not have the authority to cast the deciding vote for an open city council seat.

Word of the judge’s decision was getting around quickly outside City Hall. Inside, three members of the municipal council celebrated a victory.

“It’s a catharsis for us to be able to say to this world that we know something that you don’t know and that is, Newark Mayor Cory Booker does not care about Newark,” said Councilwoman Mildred Crump.

At a time when Booker is mulling over his political future, Crump and her council colleagues said they are prepared to make sure he stays out of office – no matter which one he decides to run for.

There will be a special election next November to fill the vacant city council seat.

Booker ally Councilman Annibal Ramos says he's disappointed by the judge's decision.