James Solomon Wins Jersey City Mayoral Runoff Against Jim McGreevey

In a decisive runoff election held on December 2, 2025, James Solomon, a member of the Jersey City Council, emerged victorious over former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey. Solomon, who garnered approximately 69% of the vote, will lead Jersey City, the state's second-largest city, for the next four years. This election followed a general election on November 4, where Solomon received 29% of the votes compared to McGreevey's 25%, necessitating the runoff.

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James Solomon, 41, positioned himself as a progressive candidate, appealing to anti-machine voters and securing endorsements from former rivals and prominent figures such as Senator Andy Kim. His campaign focused on addressing the high cost of housing and prioritizing the needs of residents over developers. In contrast, Jim McGreevey, who resigned from the governorship in 2004 amid a scandal involving an extramarital affair and misuse of power, campaigned with establishment support but faced challenges due to his controversial past.

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Both candidates addressed similar issues, including housing affordability and community concerns. However, Solomon's strategy involved a clear stance against developer influence, while McGreevey's campaign was perceived as being supported by those same interests.

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During the campaign, Solomon's critiques of McGreevey's past were prominent, including pointed remarks about ongoing investigations into McGreevey's conduct. In a debate, Solomon stated, “You probably wish we defunded the police because you’ve been under investigation from so many different law-enforcement agencies,” highlighting the controversies surrounding McGreevey's tenure. McGreevey dismissed these comments as “rubbish,” attempting to shift the focus to current issues facing Jersey City.

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Both candidates emphasized the need for affordable housing, with Solomon asserting, “Together, we’re going to build a more affordable Jersey City, where everyone has a chance to thrive.” McGreevey, while acknowledging his past, argued that voters were more concerned with immediate issues like rent and city maintenance.

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Following the election results, Solomon expressed gratitude for the support he received, framing his victory as a win against the "corrupt political machine." He reiterated his commitment to prioritizing the needs of Jersey City residents. McGreevey, reflecting on his campaign, acknowledged the challenges of overcoming his past but emphasized his ongoing work in community service, particularly in reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.

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As Solomon prepares to take office, he faces the challenge of leading a rapidly growing city amid an affordability crisis. His predecessor, Mayor Steven Fulop, who served since 2013, is expected to leave Jersey City to pursue a leadership role in New York's business community after losing a bid for governor earlier this year.

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• “Tonight is a win for Jersey City against the corrupt political machine,” — James Solomon, Mayor-elect of Jersey City

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• “Every family deserves a shot to stay in this special city, and that’s what I’m going to be focused on,” — James Solomon

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• “ “My opponents may care about what happened 20 years ago,” McGreevey told the AP.” — Jim McGreevey

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James Solomon's victory in the Jersey City mayoral runoff marks a significant shift in leadership, emphasizing progressive values and a commitment to addressing local issues. As he steps into his new role, the focus will be on implementing policies that tackle the pressing challenges of housing affordability and community development.

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