Candidates for Jersey City Mayor James Solomon and Jim McGreevey
JERSEY CITY, NJ — The November 4 municipal elections have set the stage for a pivotal runoff in Jersey City, with former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey and Councilman James Solomon advancing to a December 2 showdown in the mayoral race. Neither candidate secured the required majority, triggering a runoff that will determine the city’s next leader amid rising concerns over affordability, development, and displacement.
McGreevey, who served as governor from 2002 to 2004 before resigning amid scandal, has spent the past decade rebuilding his public profile through nonprofit work focused on prisoner reentry and social services. His campaign emphasizes pragmatic governance, public safety, and economic development, drawing support from traditional Democratic networks and longtime civic leaders.
Solomon, a sitting councilman representing Ward E since 2017, is known for his progressive platform and grassroots organizing. His campaign centers on transparency, affordable housing, and resisting overdevelopment. Solomon has built a coalition of reform-minded voters, younger residents, and community activists seeking a more inclusive and accountable city government.
The mayoral runoff is not the only race still in play. Several City Council seats — including all three at-large positions and multiple ward contests — remain undecided, with final results pending certification. If no candidate in these races secures over 50% of the vote, they too will head to a December 2 runoff.
In the at-large race, Solomon-aligned candidates Mamta Singh, Michael Griffin, and Rolando Lavarro are leading, though McGreevey’s slate — including Fernando Garcia and Tina Nalls — remains competitive. The outcome will shape the council’s ideological balance and its ability to support the incoming mayor’s agenda.
Ward races are also tightly contested. Ward A incumbent Denise Ridley faces multiple challengers, while Ward B’s Joel Brooks leads a crowded field. Ward C’s Rich Boggiano, a longtime incumbent, is being challenged by reform candidates. Ward D features five contenders with no clear majority. Meanwhile, Eleana Little (Ward E) and Frank Gilmore (Ward F), both aligned with Solomon, appear poised to win outright.
With the runoff looming, civic groups and community leaders are mobilizing to ensure voter engagement remains high. The December 2 election will not only decide the mayor but also determine the future direction of Jersey City’s policies on housing, equity, and development.
As Jersey City prepares for its next electoral chapter, civic groups and community leaders are mobilizing to ensure voters remain engaged and informed. The runoff promises to be a defining moment for the city’s future.
