The upcoming Jersey City municipal election on November 4 is turning into a high-stakes political contest. Major endorsements are reshaping the race for mayor and council seats.
With six incumbents, including Mayor Steve Fulop, stepping aside, all eyes are on new contenders. Jersey City’s dynamic reputation means the stakes feel especially high this year.
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The field is crowded—52 candidates, each with their own vision for the city’s future. Endorsements from unions and advocacy groups are playing an outsized role in shaping momentum and public perception.
Major Mayoral Endorsements Shift the Race
Three leading mayoral candidates have emerged, each backed by influential organizations and community leaders. Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea won support from former Jersey City Board of Education president Suzanne Mack and the Hudson County Central Labor Council.
O’Dea’s reputation for integrity and his commitment to labor rights have made him a favorite among working families and education advocates. His endorsements paint him as a practical candidate who’s focused on everyday residents.
Progressive Voices and Affordable Housing Priorities
Councilman James Solomon stands out with endorsements from New Jersey Citizen Action and Make the Road Action. He’s rejected developer money and pushed a transparent, progressive agenda that resonates with grassroots groups.
Former governor James McGreevey picked up backing from the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. He’s made affordable housing and union labor central to his campaign, stressing economic stability for Jersey City residents.
Council Races: Union and Community Support
The council races are just as heated, with nine seats up for grabs and a flurry of endorsements. In Ward A, Councilwoman Denise Ridley earned trust from the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 823 for her advocacy for transit workers and sustainable city growth.
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Transit and infrastructure remain top issues in several districts, and endorsements like these may prove decisive.
Ward D and Ward F Heat Up
In Ward D, candidate Elvin Dominici-Encarnacion received an endorsement from former Hudson County Commissioner Joel Torres. That nod recognizes his persistence and deep involvement in the community.
Fellow Ward D contender Jake Ephros built credibility with support from 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. His background in organizing healthcare workers and confronting inequality has made an impression.
Ward F’s Councilman Frank Gilmore is seeking reelection and has pulled in big endorsements from names like Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Congresswoman Lamonica McIver, Assemblyman William Sampson, Hudson County Commissioner Jerry Walker, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, and housing expert Katie Brennan.
That’s a wide-ranging coalition, and it highlights Gilmore’s reputation for community-driven leadership.
The Bigger Picture: A Transformative Election Year
This year, with 52 candidates and six incumbents stepping down, Jersey City faces a rare moment of transformation. Mayor Fulop’s departure, along with other long-serving officials, has opened the door for new ideas.
Progressive reforms and pro-union strategies are both in play. The political shake-up could shift city districts and set new policy priorities for years ahead.
Connecting Politics to Everyday Life in Jersey City
The results in November will ripple far beyond headlines. Local issues like housing affordability, transportation, and the city’s cultural vibrancy all hang in the balance.
For residents—and even visitors—leadership touches daily life, from public services to the experience of staying in one of the many Jersey City hotels.
Visiting and Exploring Jersey City Amid Election Season
Even as the city debates its future, Jersey City remains a great place to visit. If you’re wondering where to stay in Jersey City, the waterfront’s skyline views are hard to beat, and historic neighborhoods offer locally-owned places with plenty of character.
Campaigns are rolling out across every corner, but visitors can still soak up the city’s atmosphere and enjoy the many things to do in Jersey City—from grabbing a bite along Newark Avenue to wandering Liberty State Park. There’s a buzz in the air, and honestly, it’s an exciting time to be here.
Getting to Jersey City During the Election
If you want to catch the buzz up close, getting to Jersey City is pretty straightforward. PATH trains run from Manhattan, ferries cross the Hudson, and highways make driving in from nearby towns a breeze.
Some folks come to watch democracy unfold, others just want to soak up the city’s culture. November’s shaping up to be lively, honestly—there’s a lot happening in the community.
Endorsements keep rolling in, stirring up the conversation. Voters will soon get to pick which vision feels right for Jersey City’s next chapter.
For residents and visitors alike, this election’s about more than politics. It’s about where the city’s headed—and maybe, who gets to shape its future.
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Here is the source article for this story: Candidates Announce New Endorsements in Local Races As Election Nears
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