The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council (HTC) represents thousands of hotel and gaming industry workers. They’ve now officially endorsed Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon in his run for mayor.
This move highlights Solomon’s work on worker protections, housing affordability, and community advocacy. These issues have shaped Jersey City’s politics in recent years.
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HTC’s president, Rich Maroko, pointed to Solomon’s leadership during the heated 2019 short-term rental referendum as a major reason for their support. Maroko sees Solomon as a principled candidate who stands up for fairness—both for residents and workers.
HTC’s Endorsement: A Union’s Seal of Approval
Big union endorsements can really shake up local politics, especially in a city as diverse and fast-changing as Jersey City. When HTC announced their support, President Rich Maroko brought up Solomon’s strong position during the 2019 short-term rental debate.
That debate centered on a billion-dollar industry and touched on affordability, gentrification, and tourism’s impact on neighborhoods. It was a tense moment for the city.
A Stand for the Community
In 2019, voters decided on new rules for Airbnb and other short-term rentals. Solomon sided with tenants, hotel workers, and community advocates.
The referendum passed after a high-profile $5 million campaign. It put strict limits on short-term rental operations to protect housing availability and stop speculative market pressure.
Maroko praised Solomon for listening to people on the ground and acting on their concerns. The union believes these qualities are essential for the next mayor.
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HTC sees Solomon as someone willing to make tough calls to protect workers and support community-focused policies.
Solomon’s Campaign Priorities
For Solomon, HTC’s endorsement feels like more than just a political boost. It’s a nod to his platform and the work he’s been doing.
He’s running on three main pillars:
- Affordability: Keeping the cost of living manageable for families and long-term residents.
- Livability: Clean streets, accessible transit, and vibrant community spaces.
- Family-focused growth: Building a city where raising children is practical and enjoyable.
Momentum From the Ground Up
Solomon thanked the union for their support, calling HTC “a champion of wage fairness and worker safety.” He says his campaign’s momentum comes from grassroots supporters—union members and everyday residents—who want a fairer, more inclusive Jersey City.
Just a day before, HTC endorsed Hoboken Councilwoman-at-Large Emily Jabbour for mayor, along with her full council slate. Clearly, the union wants to shape political leadership across Hudson County.
Why This Matters for Jersey City
This endorsement ties into bigger debates about how Jersey City manages growth, tourism, and livability. In a city with both luxury high-rises and historic brownstones, short-term rental policies affect housing, the hospitality sector, and neighborhood life.
Districts are changing fast as new development and tourism reshape the community. Leadership choices feel more important than ever.
Tourism and Hospitality in the Spotlight
Hotels and tourism play a big role in the city’s economy. For travelers, Jersey City hotels range from high-end waterfront spots to boutique inns tucked into neighborhoods.
The city’s political climate—especially rules on short-term rentals—can shift tourism patterns. That affects where visitors spend money and how residents experience their neighborhoods.
From a traveler’s point of view, picking where to stay in Jersey City depends on what they want to explore. There are cultural attractions, skyline views, and quick access to New York City, which makes Jersey City a unique urban destination.
Connecting Politics to Daily Life
Endorsements like HTC’s aren’t just political theater. They show what matters to workers whose jobs are woven into the city’s economy.
For residents, leadership decisions can change everything from rent to transit. For visitors, those choices ripple into the hospitality and service they find as they explore neighborhoods, try new restaurants, or look for things to do in Jersey City.
Getting Here and Getting Involved
Jersey City feels alive, partly because it’s so easy to reach. You can hop on a PATH train, catch a ferry, or just drive in—getting here isn’t complicated, and honestly, that’s a big part of the draw for both visitors and people who work nearby.
The mayoral race is picking up speed. Residents and anyone invested in the city have a real shot to influence who’ll steer Jersey City through its next chapter.
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