Voters in Jersey City have spoken. City Council member James Solomon is the new mayor.
In a runoff that drew attention across New Jersey, Solomon defeated former governor Jim McGreevey by a wide margin. The city’s appetite for progressive leadership set the tone for what’s next in New Jersey’s second-largest city.
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James Solomon Wins Jersey City Mayoral Runoff in a Landslide
The runoff happened after a crowded seven-person race last month didn’t produce a majority winner. Solomon, who already represented one of the city’s most left-leaning and affluent city districts, entered this final round as the clear favorite.
His earlier lead over McGreevey—about 2,600 votes—made this a high-stakes, one-on-one contest. When the ballots came in, the results were striking.
Solomon secured 22,291 votes, or 67.9% of the total. McGreevey, despite his name recognition and long political résumé, finished with 10,548 votes, or 32.1%.
With 32,839 votes cast, the Associated Press called the race for Solomon almost immediately. That’s a pretty clear verdict.
A Resounding Mandate for Progressive Leadership
This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Voters gave Solomon a commanding share of the electorate, showing clear approval for his progressive platform and his time on the City Council.
Nearly a 2-to-1 win in a runoff, especially against a former governor, doesn’t happen often. It says a lot about how much the city has shifted left in the past decade.
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Solomon enters office with political capital to spend on big policy goals, from housing and affordability to transportation and public services. That’s a lot of expectation to manage right out of the gate.
Jim McGreevey’s Comeback Bid Falls Short
McGreevey’s run brought a lot of media curiosity. Once a rising star in New Jersey politics, he resigned as governor in 2004 after a personal scandal that stuck with him for years.
His attempt at a comeback in Jersey City was always going to be a test. Were voters willing to move past his history?
The results say most weren’t. McGreevey’s 32.1% share of the vote is respectable, but in a city that’s younger and more progressive, his old-guard politics just didn’t connect enough.
It really shows how much political expectations have changed since his time in statewide office.
What Solomon’s Victory Means for Jersey City
Solomon’s win cements Jersey City’s reputation as a progressive urban hub. The next question is how his policies will play out in daily life—rents, taxes, transit, and neighborhood services.
With a strong mandate, he’ll have both the chance and the pressure to deliver real results early on. That’s not an easy balance to strike, honestly.
Solomon now leads a city that rivals Newark in population and economic clout. His decisions on development, policing, and infrastructure will ripple across Hudson County and the wider metro area.
More people are looking at getting to Jersey City for work, housing, or investment. What happens here doesn’t stay here.
What This Political Shift Means for People Visiting and Living Here
As Jersey City grows in prominence, its politics shape how the city feels. A progressive mayor can influence everything from waterfront development to nightlife rules, public art, and transit that links neighborhoods to the PATH and ferries.
That matters for visitors and locals alike. Travelers checking into Jersey City hotels might not follow election numbers, but they’ll notice safer streets, better parks, and more lively small-business strips.
A City Hall focused on equitable growth can help make the city more walkable, culturally rich, and welcoming. That’s the hope, anyway.
Jersey City’s Appeal: From Ballot Box to Boardwalk
With new leadership stepping in, the city looks ready to keep evolving into a top-tier urban destination. If you’re new and wondering where to stay in Jersey City, you’ll find plenty of choices near the waterfront, Journal Square, and in up-and-coming neighborhoods.
These areas show a city in motion, shaped by decisions coming straight from City Hall. The same goes for locals or visitors searching for things to do in Jersey City.
Liberty State Park, the Powerhouse Arts District, and a bunch of local restaurants and festivals all add to the mix. The political climate here affects funding, zoning, and support for the arts—key pieces that keep Jersey City’s character alive as it grows.
James Solomon’s victory isn’t just about one election. It feels like a snapshot of a city figuring out who it wants to be: progressive, forward-thinking, and definitely not just a shadow of Manhattan.
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Here is the source article for this story: Jersey City Mayor Runoff Election Results 2025
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