Rolando Lavarro Jr. waves back to his supporters as he joins the parade during PAFCOM’s 2025 Filipino American Friendship Day in Jersey City | Photo via Facebook
First of a two-part series
In Jersey City’s ever-evolving political landscape, few names evoke as much resonance among working families, immigrant communities, and civic reformers as Rolando Lavarro Jr. A decade after making history as the city’s first Asian American and Filipino American councilmember, and six years after serving as City Council President, Lavarro is once again stepping into the electoral ring—this time as a candidate for Councilor-at-Large on the slate of mayoral hopeful James Solomon.
Lavarro’s return is more than a campaign; it’s a reckoning. It’s a response to what he calls “the tale of two cities”—a Jersey City where gleaming towers rise downtown while longtime residents in neighborhoods like Greenville and the West Side struggle to stay afloat. It’s also a continuation of unfinished business: legislative fights for affordable housing, wage protections, immigrant rights, and government accountability that defined his tenure from 2011 to 2021.
During his time on the council, Lavarro built a reputation as a principled and pragmatic policymaker. As Council President from 2013 to 2019, he helped steer the city through pivotal debates on development, equity, and transparency. He championed the city’s first earned sick leave ordinance—making Jersey City the first in New Jersey to adopt such a policy—and later expanded it statewide. He co-sponsored a living wage ordinance and wage theft protections that became models for state legislation. And in the wake of COVID-19, he joined forces with Councilman Solomon to push for a rent-hike freeze, offering relief to residents facing economic uncertainty.
But Lavarro’s tenure wasn’t without turbulence. Once a key ally of Mayor Steven Fulop—running on Fulop’s ticket in both 2013 and 2017—Lavarro eventually broke ranks over what he described as profound policy differences. His push for a robust inclusionary zoning ordinance, which would have required developers to include affordable housing in new projects, was defeated by Fulop-aligned council members. His calls for transparency—including a payroll tax audit and an investigation into financial corruption within a city agency—further widened the rift. In 2019, Lavarro went so far as to request a federal investigation into potential conflicts of interest involving the mayor’s office.
The fallout was political and personal. Running as an independent in 2021, Lavarro lost his re-election bid, finishing behind candidates backed by Fulop’s slate. But the defeat didn’t dampen his resolve. “I’m proud to have stood up for what’s right, even when it meant risking my political future,” Lavarro said in a recent campaign event. “This isn’t about power—it’s about people.”
Now, in 2025, Lavarro is back—and he’s not alone. Teaming up with Councilman James Solomon, a fellow reformer and vocal critic of unchecked development, Lavarro is part of a slate that promises to put “people before politics.” Their alliance is rooted in shared legislative history: together, they fought to repeal the controversial “Water Tax” imposed by the Municipal Utilities Authority, ended Hudson County’s ICE detention contract, and advocated for the creation of New Jersey’s first local Immigrant Affairs Commission. They also co-sponsored efforts to include Asian American contributions in the state’s school curriculum—a measure that became law in 2022.
Solomon, now running for mayor, has praised Lavarro’s “commitment to justice and fairness,” calling him a “fighter for working families.” Their joint platform centers on affordability, transparency, and equitable development. Lavarro has pledged to hold developers accountable, stabilize property taxes and rents, and ensure that every neighborhood receives the services it deserves. He’s also committed to expanding access to financial aid for DREAMers, protecting tenants from displacement, and strengthening wage protections for low-income workers.
As Jersey City grapples with rising housing costs, uneven infrastructure investment, and growing concerns over political influence, Lavarro’s candidacy offers both continuity and contrast. He brings institutional knowledge and a proven track record—but also a willingness to challenge entrenched interests. His campaign slogan, “People Before Politics,” is more than a tagline; it’s a declaration of intent.
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Rolando Lavarro Jr. to discuss his political journey, his legislative legacy, and his vision for Jersey City’s future. We explore the lessons of his past terms, the dynamics of his split with Mayor Fulop, and the strategic partnership with James Solomon. And we ask: in a city at a crossroads, can Lavarro’s comeback help bridge the divide—and build a Jersey City that works for all?
Here are the answers to the questions Lavarro was asked:
On His Comeback & Motivation
What specific issues or community concerns compelled you to return to public service after stepping away in 2021?
Affordability. Since I left office, prices for groceries, gas, and every other household expense have continued to rise. Families all over the country are struggling and keep falling behind, and in Jersey City, the situation has become more dire. Jersey City property taxes have increased by 50% over the past five years. Rents are among the highest in the nation. When I was in office, I fought the political bosses who did nothing to protect the working families of Jersey City. These bosses made deals with developers that benefited their political interests. I’m coming back to continue the fight for a more affordable Jersey City and keep all our residents in their homes.
How has your perspective evolved since your last term, and what lessons from your previous tenure are shaping your platform today?
Now more than ever, people want their representatives to fight for them, to advocate for their interests, not those of the political bosses or their donors. My platform today prioritizes affordability. Jersey City residents want affordable housing, stable property taxes, and rents. If elected, I will fight every day for a Jersey City that every resident can afford.
“My platform today prioritizes affordability. Jersey City residents want affordable housing, stable property taxes, and rents. If elected, I will fight every day for a Jersey City that every resident can afford.”
You’ve joined James Solomon’s slate, known for its progressive stance. What does this alliance signal about your political priorities in 2025?
I joined James’s slate because we share similar values and priorities. We are the only team that doesn’t take developer money. The political bosses or the developers don’t buy us, and we don’t owe them anything. We only answer to the people of Jersey City, and that’s who we’re fighting for.
Many Filipino Americans supported your historic first run. How do you plan to re-engage and mobilize that base in today’s political climate?
I made history by becoming the first Asian American and Filipino American ever elected to the Jersey City City Council. I owe that in large part to the Filipino American community of Jersey City.
That being said, Filipino voters want the same thing as other Jersey City voters. They want an affordable Jersey City with stable taxes and rents, a great quality of life, and great schools for their children. Team Solomon is going to bring that message to all the Filipino Americans and voters of Jersey City.
On Affordable Housing & Development
You were a key force behind Jersey City’s inclusionary zoning ordinance. What’s your plan to strengthen or expand it if elected again?
The inclusionary zoning ordinance was a compromise bill, and it hasn’t done nearly enough to bring new affordable units to Jersey City — rents are higher than ever. We need to increase the IZO to a minimum of 20%, as I had initially championed alongside James Solomon. As Mayor and City Councilman At-Large, that’s exactly what we’ll do.
“I wasn’t influenced by developers when I was in office, and I won’t be influenced this time around either. James Solomon and I don’t accept contributions from developers, and we are committed to enacting policies that will make Jersey City affordable …”
How will you ensure that affordable housing policies are not diluted by developer influence or loopholes?
I wasn’t influenced by developers when I was in office, and I won’t be influenced this time around either. James Solomon and I don’t accept contributions from developers, and we are committed to enacting policies that will make Jersey City affordable. It includes requiring developers to provide affordable housing and pay their fair share of the costs.
What’s your stance on community land trusts or other models that promote long-term housing equity?
I support community land trusts, rent-to-own options, first-time homebuyer credits, and other policies and programs that will keep Jersey City families in our city. I am open to any ideas that will promote long-term housing equity.
(To Be Continued)
