Jersey City Mayoral Race Heats Up

The contest for Jersey City mayor is turning competitive between former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey, who has faced personal scandals, and liberal local pollster James Solomon. It’s, in a way, reminiscent of recent elections in New York City.

On one side, there’s McGreevey, a Democratic governor originally from Jersey City, who has been absent from the political scene for over 20 years. He stepped down during a scandal involving his sexuality.

At 68, McGreevey is now seeking to return to public office and is competing against Solomon, a two-term downtown Democrat, with the runoff coming up on Tuesday.

Both candidates are tackling affordability head-on, particularly focusing on housing costs and rising property taxes.

Comparisons can be drawn between these two Jersey City candidates and the recent, economy-focused mayoral contest in New York City featuring progressive Zoran Mamdani against former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Like McGreevey, Cuomo recently entered the political arena again after resigning amid a sexual harassment scandal, which he denies.

Reinvigorated, McGreevey claims that his past political experience will contribute to fiscal responsibility and effective governance.

Conversely, Solomon, much like Mamdani, positions himself as an outsider, garnering support by promising to collaborate with developers to reshape the city while keeping rent affordable.

“Sorry for my French, but New York City has got to step up,” he remarked about the housing challenges affecting renters, who have been moving from expensive New York into Jersey City.

Jersey City’s housing development has surged over the last ten years, yet most of the new projects cater to luxury living along the waterfront and downtown. Both candidates aim to implement large-scale projects to ensure at least 20% of developments are affordable housing.

However, McGreevey criticized Solomon’s proposal to cap rents at $1,000 for affordable units, deeming it financially unsustainable and potentially burdensome for taxpayers.

In return, Solomon has targeted McGreevey’s campaign for accepting funds from developers he accuses of receiving preferential treatment from officials without genuinely aiding working families.

“They are supported by the same corrupt political bosses as McGreevey’s campaign,” he stated.

Solomon suggested that McGreevey’s strategies hark back to an outdated political approach that once effectively lowered prices.

High property tax increases in Jersey City have been a concern, often linked to the state’s insufficient funding for the local school system. McGreevey advocates for the city government to streamline its efforts to alleviate residents’ financial burdens.

He has pledged not to raise property taxes during his first year if elected.

On the topic of President Trump’s immigration policies affecting Jersey City, a place where roughly 40% of residents are immigrants, both candidates asserted their commitment to protecting and educating local citizens within legal limits.

They vowed to maintain Jersey City as a “sanctuary city” despite challenges posed by the Trump administration.

Solomon, who has been on the City Council since 2017, has consistently framed himself as an outsider to the entrenched political structure in Hudson County.

McGreevey, meanwhile, has remained away from the political spotlight since his resignation in 2004, following revelations of his affair with a close aide.

Despite his tumultuous past, many in Jersey City appear ready to accept his return.

“It was, to a large extent, like wrestling with my own personal reality,” McGreevey reflected on the scandal. “I found the people of Jersey City to be incredibly inclusive and caring.”

Both candidates failed to secure the necessary majority during the initial round on November 4, with Solomon earning 29.2%, edging out McGreevey’s 25.1% and Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea’s 21.5%.

O’Dea, along with most other candidates, has endorsed Solomon, who also has the backing of New Jersey Senator James Kim.

McGreevey has gained support from outgoing Governor Phil Murphy and the city’s police union. He emphasizes that his experience is a significant asset for voters.

“I mean, no disrespect, but James has never managed anything,” he remarked, underscoring his own background in leadership.