Jersey City Mayoral Race Moves to Runoff Between Councilman Solomon and Former Governor McGreevey

None of the seven Jersey City mayoral candidates received more than half the vote. So, a rematch will decide the winner. A mayoral election will be held in New Jersey’s second-largest city on December 2, 2025. Councilman James Solomon and former Governor Jim McGreevey are running opposed.

Solomon started the race with a tiny lead over McGreevey, but not enough to win. The election wasn’t party-based, and city law requires a rerun if no candidate receives 50% of the vote. This seemed plausible as there was no clear winner and the race was tight.

James Solomon represents Ward E since 2017. Progressive reform, affordable housing, and open government were his campaign promises. His ward includes Jersey City’s downtown and beaches. Solomon promotes affordable housing, clean streets, and safe neighborhoods. Former Harvard teacher. His bottom-up effort placed people first to make Jersey City a better environment for families to live and work.

However, Jim McGreevey began the race famous and experienced. He returned to politics 20 years after leaving office as governor in 2004. He promised better housing, schools, and investments in the neighborhood. As a leader who has endured much and learnt to accept, Jersey City native McGreevey promised to make the city friendlier and more successful.

Both candidates will adjust their strategies to win more votes, heating up Jersey City politics. He is departing after three terms as mayor. The city now faces greater house construction, rising rents, and rapid population growth.

McGreevey values wisdom and counsel, but Solomon values change and responsibility. Solomon represents most people’s desire for change. However, McGreevey wants stable administration to develop trust. In the runoff, both men will likely discuss housing policies, jobs, and Jersey City’s ethnic variety.

Political observers say the city’s rapid growth and growing costs terrify citizens. City skylines have changed due to big skyscrapers and expensive housing complexes in the center. Longtime inhabitants find it tougher to buy products due to these changes. How many people vote and which candidate can better connect with voters on local issues will likely determine the runoff winner.

300,000 Jersey City residents consider the December 2 election as a chance to define their city’s destiny. The outcome will demonstrate whether people choose Solomon’s progressive, reform-minded leadership or McGreevey’s seasoned, comeback-driven one.

Sources
Associated Press
Hudson County View
Insider NJ