Jersey City politics just turned a page. In a decisive runoff, Councilman James Solomon defeated former Governor Jim McGreevey to become the next mayor of New Jersey’s second-largest city.
Voters sent a message—they want reform-minded leadership and a break from the old guard.
Easy booking across hundreds of accommodations from luxury high-rises to unearthed brownstone treasures.
Browse Accommodations Now
James Solomon Elected Mayor in Landslide Runoff
The December runoff happened because no candidate cleared 50% in November’s general election. This time, voters made their choice clear.
James Solomon captured 68% of the vote, while Jim McGreevey got 32%. The race was called early, with just 20% of precincts reporting.
The margin was so wide that political observers quickly labeled it a mandate. Nobody really expected such a blowout.
Solomon will take over from Mayor Steve Fulop, who led Jersey City through more than a decade of growth and change. With this transition, City Hall gets a reset in both tone and priorities.
Residents are looking to the new administration for ethical leadership and a fresh focus on daily quality-of-life issues.
The End of a High-Profile Political Comeback
McGreevey’s bid drew attention across New Jersey. A former mayor of Woodbridge and one-time governor, he entered the race hoping for a political comeback nearly two decades after resigning in 2004.
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
His name recognition and fundraising were supposed to make him a strong contender. But when the votes were counted, it was clear that nostalgia and notoriety weren’t enough.
Voters leaned toward Solomon’s reputation as a reformer and practical problem solver. People seemed ready to move beyond the statehouse drama of years past.
A Message of Reform and Public Service
As results came in, national and statewide figures chimed in on what Solomon’s win means. U.S. Senator Andy Kim praised the outcome, calling it a rejection of “corruption, greed, and exclusive politics.”
His comments fit the bigger story from the runoff: Jersey City residents want leaders who treat public office as a duty, not just a stepping stone.
Kim described the election as the start of “a new era” led by public servants who put people first. That matches Solomon’s own style—he’s known for digging into budgets, ethics, and development deals instead of chasing headlines.
What Solomon’s Victory Signals for Jersey City
Solomon’s win hints at some big shifts ahead:
For longtime residents, this feels like a course correction—building on the city’s growth but insisting on fairer rules and cleaner government.
How New Leadership Could Shape Daily Life
Beyond the speeches, a mayor’s choices shape how people experience Jersey City, block by block. From fixing streets to arts funding, the Solomon administration will have a direct hand in the city’s character in the coming years.
That means paying attention to how people live, work, and visit here—not just in skyscraper corridors, but in the neighborhoods that give Jersey City its identity.
Neighborhoods, Transit, and the Urban Experience
Expect new arguments about city districts and how resources get spread—from the waterfront to the Heights, Greenville to Journal Square. With the city growing as a residential hub and a regional destination, transportation and access will matter even more.
Getting to Jersey City—by PATH, ferries, buses, bike lanes, and redesigned roads—will be a bigger issue as new development and residents put more pressure on existing systems.
The administration’s policies will also shape tourism and hospitality. Visitors picking between Jersey City hotels are drawn by the skyline, food scene, and waterfront parks.
A mayor who focuses on transparent planning and livable streets can make the city more welcoming for both guests and residents. That’s the hope, anyway.
What This Means for Residents, Visitors, and the Local Economy
As Solomon gets ready to take office, people already want to know how his plans will impact rent, schools, small businesses, and the city’s culture. We’ll probably have to wait a few budget cycles to really see the effects.
The political message from this runoff feels pretty obvious: Jersey City voters are willing to shake things up for a cleaner, more accountable government.
If you’re planning a weekend here and searching for things to do in Jersey City, the city under Solomon might seem more cohesive and neighborhood-focused. Newcomers wondering where to stay in Jersey City—maybe eyeing those historic brownstones in Hamilton Park, the artsy vibe in McGinley Square, or the waterfront towers downtown—could notice a shift too.
Find the perfect hotel or vacation rental. Instant booking, no fees!
View Top Stays
Here is the source article for this story: James Solomon defeats Jim McGreevey in Jersey City mayoral runoff
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
Plan Your Stay in Jersey City, NJ
Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
