Former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey heads to runoff for Jersey City mayor in comeback bid

JERSEY CITY, N.J. Former Governor of New Jersey, Jim McGreevey, faces a one-on-one mayoral runoff on Tuesday against James Solomon, who has openly criticized McGreeveys past scandals as a symbol of outdated politics. The election determines the next leader of Jersey City, located just across the Hudson River from Manhattan and often called New York City's sixth borough.

The runoff follows a November 4 general election where no candidate secured over 50% of the vote in a seven-person race. Solomon, a city council member since 2017, finished first, while McGreevey came in second. Though both are Democrats, the mayoral race is officially nonpartisan. Polls are scheduled to close at 8 p.m.

This marks McGreeveys first attempt at public office since resigning as governor in 2004, a resignation remembered for his public declaration of being gay. Controversy surrounded his departure, in part due to his hiring of Golan Cipel, his former lover, as the states homeland security adviser despite Cipel lacking qualifications. McGreevey launched his campaign in 2023 with a video emphasizing second chances.

I want Jersey City to remain iconic, reflecting the dreams and aspirations of its families, McGreevey said recently. At 68, he has pledged to serve only one term, presenting it as a great closing act for his political career. He highlighted his experience as governor and as mayor of Woodbridge Township, a suburban community, and indicated support for Solomon in a future election.

Solomon, 41, has criticized McGreeveys record, calling it a series of disqualifying scandals. The race has largely focused on affordability, especially housing costs, which are being driven up by new downtown developments targeting wealthy New York City commuters. The city also faces a budget deficit that could increase property taxes.

Jersey City, with around 303,000 residents and a municipal budget of roughly $700 million, is New Jerseys second-largest city. Current Mayor Steven Fulop chose not to seek a fourth term. McGreevey has spent approximately $2.5 million on his campaign, while Solomon has spent $1.3 million.

Both candidates have pledged to resist federal challenges to the citys immigrant protections. If Donald Trump chooses a fight, were not going to back down, Solomon said.

McGreevey, a native of Jersey City, returned in 2015. His grandfather immigrated from Northern Ireland, and McGreevey has since rebuilt his life in the city. Following a divorce, he pursued a Master of Divinity, volunteered in Harlem, considered priesthood, and later entered nonprofit work. He currently leads the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, assisting formerly incarcerated individuals and veterans with employment and housing.

Solomon, from nearby Millburn, holds a masters degree from Harvard Kennedy School and previously worked with former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. He moved to Jersey City in 2013 with his wife and three daughters. A Hodgkins Lymphoma diagnosis in 2015, now in remission, motivated him to seek office. Life is short, and I wanted to give back to Jersey City, he said.

Solomon has pledged to regulate developers, strengthen public safety, improve schools in collaboration with the independent board of education, and protect tenants from exploitative rent practices. McGreevey has focused on the citys $150 million budget shortfall, warning it could raise property taxes by 30% if left unaddressed, and vowed to protect working families from being priced out by downtown development.

Author: Sophia Brooks