The Team Solomon to take their Oath of Office on January 15 | Photo Team Solomon Campaign
JERSEY CITY — Mayor‑elect James Solomon will officially take the oath of office on January 15, 2026, at 12 midnight, becoming the city’s 50th mayor and ushering in a new era of progressive leadership focused on affordability, transparency, and community‑driven governance.
The public inauguration will be at 7 p.m. on January 15 at New Jersey City University, Margaret Williams Theatre, 2039 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07305.
Lavarro also confirmed that the official swearing-in of the City Council will be at 3 p.m. on January 15; the reorganization meeting will be at 4 p.m., at which time a council president will be elected. The public ceremonial oath-taking will be at 7 p.m
Solomon, a two‑term Ward E councilmember who defeated former Gov. Jim McGreevey in a decisive runoff, has spent the weeks leading up to inauguration meeting with community groups, outlining his early priorities, and assembling a transition team. His victory speech emphasized a commitment to “building a more affordable Jersey City — one that puts residents first, not developers and special interests”.
Transition Work Underway Ahead of Ceremony
While complete inauguration plans have not yet been finalized, Solomon has already launched a 96‑member Transition Policy Committee, drawing from community leaders, policy experts, and civic advocates to shape his first 100 days in office. The committee’s work spans housing, public safety, transportation, education, arts, and economic development, reflecting the broad coalition that powered his campaign.
The inauguration is also drawing excitement from Jersey City’s large Filipino American community, which has played a defining role in the city’s cultural and civic life for decades. Filipinos make up a significant share of the city’s healthcare workforce and immigrant population, and many see Solomon’s administration — along with the return of Councilmember‑at‑Large Rolando Lavarro Jr. — as an opportunity to deepen representation at City Hall. Filipino organizations say they plan to attend the ceremony in force, viewing the new administration as aligned with their long‑standing advocacy for immigrant protections, workers’ rights, and community investment. “Filipinos have always been part of Jersey City’s story,” one community leader said. “This inauguration feels like we’re being seen again.”
Solomon’s slate won all the wards, including the council-at-large posts, during the elections. The councilmembers to be sworn in are Denise Ridley, Ward A; Joel A. Brooks, Ward B; Thomas Zappa, Jr., Ward C; Jake Ephros, Ward D; Eleana Little, Ward E; Frank Gilmore, Ward F; councilpersons-at-large Michael Griffin, Rolando Lavarro, Jr., and Mamta Singh.
