Jersey City’s gearing up for one of its most closely watched political showdowns in decades. Councilman James Solomon, who led in the recent mayoral election, will face former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey in a December 2 runoff.
Neither candidate broke the 50% mark in the November 4 general election. Now, the race heads into a final stretch that’ll decide the city’s next mayor—and probably set the tone for what comes next.
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The Road to the Runoff
In November, Solomon scored 29% of the vote. McGreevey trailed with 25%, according to unofficial tallies.
Since Election Night, both have hustled to broaden their coalitions, picking up endorsements that could tip the balance. Councilman Solomon’s campaign gained steam with public support from U.S. Senator Andy Kim, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea, who finished third in the mayoral race.
McGreevey, meanwhile, locked in the backing of Jersey City Council President Joyce Watterman, who placed fifth. These endorsements show just how much networking and alliance-building is happening behind the scenes.
Candidate Profiles
Both men are Democrats, but the contest is officially nonpartisan. No party affiliations show up on the ballot.
Each candidate brings a distinct political style. Solomon’s camp calls him part of “a new generation of leadership,” and Baraka describes him as “the progressive choice” to guide Jersey City forward.
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His supporters include the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council and the Working Families Party, so there’s some deep labor and grassroots energy there. McGreevey’s resume? It’s stacked: Woodbridge mayor, New Jersey governor, and leader of the New Jersey Reentry Corporation.
He’s raised a hefty $5 million and landed endorsements from the Jersey City police union, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, the Amalgamated Transit Union, and the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. Experience and established leadership—those are his calling cards.
Why This Election Matters
The December 2 runoff isn’t just a formality. It’s a pivotal moment for Jersey City.
The winner will take over from outgoing Mayor Steven Fulop, whose time in office brought major economic growth and some national buzz for the city. Several city council seats are also headed for runoffs. Jersey City hasn’t seen this kind of scenario since 2001.
Impact on Residents and Visitors
For residents, leadership choices in the coming months will shape public safety, infrastructure, housing, and cultural life. Visitors and folks thinking about moving here have a stake too, since city leadership affects tourism, economic prospects, and the quality of Jersey City hotels and hospitality.
Jersey City’s city districts are a mix—historic neighborhoods, waterfront spots, busy commercial centers. The next mayor will need to juggle growth and sustainability across all of it.
Looking Ahead
Voters are weighing practical stuff: community engagement, fiscal sense, and whether these candidates can really represent everyone. With the holidays coming up, some people might be looking into where to stay in Jersey City or mapping out things to do in Jersey City, all while keeping an eye on how the race unfolds.
The runoff lands at a time when getting to Jersey City is easier than ever. PATH trains run more often, ferries have improved, and regional transit links are better.
That means campaign events can draw crowds from all over the tri-state area, adding extra buzz to the election.
Final Thoughts
Jersey City stands at a crossroads. Will Solomon’s progressive message shape the next chapter, or will McGreevey’s focus on experienced leadership win hearts?
Whatever happens, this election will leave a mark. The outcome won’t just change city hall—it’ll ripple down busy streets, through local businesses, and into the neighborhoods that give this waterfront city its pulse.
December 2 isn’t just a runoff. It’s a big moment for Jersey City’s future, and honestly, it feels hard to predict which way things will go.
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Here is the source article for this story: Who should lead Jersey City? Big political names pick sides in McGreevey-Solomon showdown
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