JERSEY CITY, N.J. — Councilman James Solomon, 41, was elected the 50th mayor of Jersey City on Tuesday night, defeating former Governor Jim McGreevey, 68, in a decisive runoff that also delivered victories for his progressive council slate.
With all ballots counted, Solomon secured 68 percent of the vote to McGreevey’s 32 percent, according to unofficial results. The race marked Jersey City’s first mayoral runoff since 2001. Endorsements from figures such as U.S. Senator Andy Kim, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea fueled Solomon’s victory. At the same time, outgoing Governor Phil Murphy backed McGreevey.
“This campaign was always about the people of Jersey City,” Solomon told supporters in his victory speech. “What I hear over and over again is that the next rent increase or the next property tax increase is going to force people out of the city they love. Tonight, we proved that Jersey City can chart a different course.”
Councilman-At-Large Winners
Solomon’s allies also swept the three councilman-at-large seats:
- Rolando Lavarro, a former councilman, is returning with grassroots backing.
- Michael Griffin is a community organizer focused on housing justice.
- Mamta Singh is an educator and civic leader emphasizing equity and inclusion.
Besides the councilman-at-large winners, Solomon’s team also won the ward runoffs. Councilwoman Denise Ridley retained her seat in Ward A, Joel Brooks was elected in Ward B, Tom Zuppa unseated Councilman Rich Boggiano in Ward C, and Jake Ephros came out on top in Ward D.
Last month, Eleana Little was elected Ward E councilwoman, and Ward F Councilman Frank Gilmore was re-elected; both were part of Team Solomon.
Together, they give Solomon a working majority on the council at 9-0.
Ali, who finished fourth in the November mayoral race and later endorsed Solomon, praised the outcome: “James has always stood with working families. His commitment to affordability and education is exactly what Jersey City needs right now.”
McGreevey Concedes
McGreevey, who resigned as governor in 2004 and sought a political comeback, conceded shortly after polls closed. He had campaigned on affordability and second-chance programs, pledging to build 1,000 affordable homes and implement zero-based budgeting.
“I want to thank the people of Jersey City for engaging in this democratic process,” McGreevey said. “While the result is not what we hoped for, I remain committed to serving this community in other ways.”
Fil-Am Jersey City Residents React
“I’ve personally seen Solomon uplift and support our community in truly meaningful ways,” Filipina American Ria Serrano, executive director of PACCAL, said. “His election is well-deserved, and I am confident that his leadership will continue to bring tangible results for our residents.”
She was also excited that Lavarro had won. “Lavarro’s win is another strong step forward for our community,” she said. “His dedication and service have long been felt, and we are happy to see him earn this well-deserved victory. Their winning the elections reflects a renewed commitment to progress and the continued strengthening of our community.”
Meanwhile, lawyer Gary Abasolo, a longtime resident of Jersey City who friends often tag as “Mayor Glary,” complimented Solomon’s win as an outstanding result for Jersey City. “He’s a new young mayor of Jersey City, the first in 12 years,” he said. “I voted for Solomon, and of course, I’m quite pleased.”
Policy Priorities
Solomon’s platform centers on affordability, transparency, and equity. His first acts as mayor will include an executive order enforcing rent protections and legislation to cap annual rent increases.
Key priorities include:
- Affordable Housing: Mandating 20 percent affordable units in large developments, with rents as low as $1,000 for families earning $35,000–$40,000 annually.
- Public Safety: Expanding the police force by 100 officers and creating a mental health crisis response team.
- Education: Partnering with the independent school board to expand after-school programs and youth jobs.
- Anti-Corruption: Auditing tax breaks for developers and strengthening ethics rules in city government.
“We need to make Jersey City affordable, and I am the only one with a plan to make it happen,” Solomon said during the campaign. “Whether it’s rents under $1,000, capping rent increases, stabilizing property taxes or investing in young people, we can make Jersey City a better place for all.”
Significance
Outgoing Mayor Steven Fulop, who served three terms, opted not to run again. Solomon’s victory represents a generational shift in leadership and a clear mandate for progressive governance.
Senator Andy Kim, who endorsed Solomon, congratulated him: “James has shown that progressive values can win when they’re rooted in community. Jersey City will be stronger under his leadership.”
With Solomon’s win, Jersey City enters a new era defined by rent protections, affordable housing, stronger schools, and anti-corruption reforms. The runoff elections not only determined the city’s next mayor but also reshaped its council, setting the stage for policy debates that will impact residents for years to come.
