Two decades after leaving public office, former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey is stepping back into the political spotlight. This time, he’s running for mayor of Jersey City.
The race to succeed outgoing Mayor Steven Fulop is drawing plenty of attention. McGreevey is one of seven candidates, and the city faces big challenges with housing affordability, youth unemployment, and its schools.
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Jim McGreevey’s Return to Public Life
McGreevey’s political comeback is turning heads in local politics this year. At 68, he’s been leading the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, a nonprofit that helps former inmates and veterans find housing and jobs.
His campaign slogan—“Second chances are central to who I am”—shows his belief in reinvention. He thinks both people and cities can start fresh.
The Significance of His Past
McGreevey resigned as governor in 2004 after a scandal, making national headlines as the first openly gay governor in the U.S. Some opponents, like Council member James Solomon and former school board president Mussab Ali, question whether his past should keep him from office.
But McGreevey argues voters care more about today’s issues than old controversies. He’s betting that folks want solutions, not rehashed scandals.
The Issues at Stake in Jersey City
Residents want to know how candidates will tackle rising housing costs, youth unemployment, and uneven schools. McGreevey calls these problems urgent and says Jersey City is “at a tipping point.”
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Housing and Education Challenges
For a lot of locals, rent keeps going up faster than paychecks. That puts real pressure on families and sometimes pushes people out of their neighborhoods.
Some schools, especially in certain neighborhoods, just aren’t meeting standards. That deepens the divide between different city districts. McGreevey says he’s ready to take these problems head-on.
The Road to Election Day
This election is nonpartisan, so party labels won’t show up on the ballot. If nobody gets over 50% of the vote, there’ll be a runoff on December 2.
With seven people running, it’s shaping up to be a tight race. Candidates need to reach a pretty wide mix of residents to win.
Campaign Strategy
McGreevey’s betting on listening tours and community events, focusing on real conversations instead of party politics. He says his time away from office made him more tuned in to what people deal with every day.
What This Means for Jersey City
The headlines might grab statewide attention, but the real story is what happens on the ground. Leadership changes affect everything from small businesses to the city’s culture.
If you’re planning a visit, checking out things to do in Jersey City—and thinking about how new policies might change the city’s vibe—could give you a deeper sense of what’s unfolding here.
Connecting Politics and Community Life
Political leadership touches everything, from neighborhood safety to the feel of public spaces. Visitors looking for Jersey City hotels or wondering where to stay in Jersey City often pick up on the city’s energy, the quality of services, and the sense of community—sometimes without even realizing it.
Getting to the Heart of Jersey City
Maybe you’re a longtime resident worried about policy changes. Or you could be a newcomer just trying to figure out getting to Jersey City in the first place.
The upcoming election isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a real chance to get a sense of where the city’s heading next.
With voting day creeping up, debates about housing, education, and jobs keep bubbling up. These aren’t just talking points—they’ll actually shape what life looks like for thousands of people living here.
The mayoral contest feels like more than a political comeback. It’s almost like a snapshot of the challenges, dreams, and grit that make Jersey City what it is.
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Here is the source article for this story: 21 years after he resigned as N.J. governor, Jim McGreevy is back on the ballot
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