Jersey City Mayoral Race Has Seven Candidates, Including Former Gov. James McGreevey

The contest for Jersey City mayor has begun, and it is going to be one of the most competitive in recent history. Seven people have filed petitions to run for mayor of New Jersey’s second-largest city after Mayor Steve Fulop resigned after three terms. Former Gov. James E. McGreevey is running for government again after 20 years.

The city clerk’s office confirmed the packed field following the petition deadline on Thursday afternoon. All eyes are on who can win Jersey City’s almost 175,000 registered votes on November 4.

Former Governor Wants Comeback

James McGreevey is best known on the ballot. The 2004 governor, who resigned following a personal scandal, is returning to politics after years in charity leadership. He is the executive director of the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, which reintegrates ex-offenders.

Many statewide wonder if voters will support his return to politics or one of the other candidates with local governing experience.

Complete Candidates List

Six other candidates will run for mayor with McGreevey, each with a unique background and vision for Jersey City:

• Former Jersey City school board president Mussab Ali, the youngest ever elected aged 20.
• Police officer Christina Freeman campaigns on public safety and trust in Jersey City.
• Resident Kalki Jayne-Rose speaks out.
• Hudson County commissioner Bill O’Dea has decades of politics expertise.
• Jersey City councilman James Solomon represents Ward E.
• The first Black woman to lead the City Council is Joyce Watterman.
• Both Freeman and Watterman want to be Jersey City’s first female mayor.
• New Chapter After Mayor Fulop

Mayor Steve Fulop, elected in 2013, is resigning after three terms. He made the choice after his unsuccessful Democratic gubernatorial bid earlier this year. After losing the governor’s race, Fulop stated on social media hours before the filing deadline that he didn’t want to use the mayor’s office as a “fallback” because it would reflect ill on the city.

New leadership has emerged after Fulop’s departure. Whoever wins will manage one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing and most diversified cities.

Election Day: What’s At Stake

Hudson County and the state will keenly monitor the November 4 election. Candidates need over 50% of the vote to become mayor. If no one makes it, the top two finishers will compete in a runoff.

Nonpartisan municipal elections are held in Jersey City. The future mayor will lead a nine-member city council with six wards and three at-large seats for four years.

The city clerk’s office has reviewed dozens of council election petitions, making November’s ballot one of the busiest in years.

Veteran Leaders and New Voices

Longtime political leaders and newcomers compete in this year’s mayoral contest. O’Dea and Watterman have decades of municipal government experience, whereas Mussab Ali and Christina Freeman are younger leaders.

Jersey City is becoming a cultural, business, and growth hotspot, as shown by its variety. Housing, development, public safety, and affordability are key issues, thus voters must choose a vision.

Looking Ahead

Campaigning should intensify before Election Day. Public forums, debates, and community gatherings may influence voter opinions. While McGreevey’s name recognition gives him an early advantage in visibility, the city’s history of competitive races suggests that nothing is guaranteed.

Jersey City’s future will depend on people’ fall vote during a period of growth and change. With seven unique candidates on the ballot, the race for mayor promises to be one of the most important political battles in New Jersey this year.

Sources

NJ Advance Media
The Jersey Journal
Hudson County Clerk’s Office