Jersey City Elects New Mayor as Jim McGreevey’s Comeback Falls Short
Jersey City voters elected Councilman James Solomon mayor Tuesday night, ending former Gov. Jim McGreevey’s comeback. The runoff election ended one of the state’s most closely watched mayoral elections with high-profile endorsements and a clear shift toward new leadership.
Soon after polls closed, many sites predicted Solomon’s win. He succeeds Mayor Steven Fulop, who declined a fourth term after losing the Democratic governorship. Nonpartisan Jersey City municipal elections focus on city concerns and candidate trustworthiness. Democratic Solomon and McGreevey.
The election night vibe matched the campaigns. A popular neighborhood pub, the Ringside Lounge, hosted McGreevey’s welcome. Unlike his Liberty House ballroom post-election reception overlooking Manhattan. Solomon’s grassroots victory was celebrated at Mana Contemporary, few streets away.
Solomon expressed gratitude to his supporters and pledged to prioritize residents as mayor. He praised campaign volunteers and his large coalition. He told the crowd that unity and tenacity, not political machinery, create permanent change, understanding the gravity of the moment.
Before Solomon spoke, McGreevey congratulated campaign supporters and conceded. His family’s immigrant roots bonded him to the city, and he had no remorse about running. His second-place performance in the general election earlier this month hinted to an uphill battle despite his political experience and funding advantage.
Solomon led with 29% of the vote on November 4, forcing a runoff. No candidate made the majority, forcing a 25% McGreevey runoff. Solomon received votes from U.S. senators and former mayoral candidates in the weeks that followed.
Voters focused on affordable housing throughout the election. Solomon’s final argument supported affordable housing and monthly rents below the city’s rising average. McGreevey, a conservative, questioned the practicality of those measures and promised to maintain property taxes in his first term. Solomon said taxes must keep up with inflation to prevent burdening residents.
This race was framed by McGreevey’s complicated public life. A two-term state politician, former Woodbridge mayor, and governor, he resigned in 2004 after admitting personal misbehavior. He has now restored his public service profile through community programs, focusing on addiction recovery and reentry for ex-offenders.
Solomon moved to Jersey City in 2013 and taught government and politics before serving on the city council for nearly a decade in one of the city’s most densely populated and economically active neighborhoods.
Jersey City begins a new era of leadership, affordability, community well-being, and long-term growth as Solomon becomes mayor. Residents will observe his administration implement his campaign’s problems.
Sources:
Associated Press
NJ Advance Media
