On December 2, Jersey City voters head back to the polls for a decision that’ll set the city’s direction for years. After a crowded seven-way race in November didn’t yield a majority winner, former Governor Jim McGreevey and Councilmember James Solomon now square off in a mayoral runoff that’ll shape policy on affordability, safety, housing, and accountability.
The Runoff: How We Got Here
The November election was always going to be a bit of a jumble. With seven candidates and no incumbent mayor, most folks figured a runoff was likely—and that’s what happened.
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No one cleared the 50% threshold needed to win outright. That forced a head-to-head showdown between the top two finishers.
James Solomon finished first in November with just over 29% of the vote. Jim McGreevey followed closely with about 25%.
Former Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea landed at 21.4%. The rest of the field split the remaining support.
That narrow gap between Solomon and McGreevey set the stage for a new dynamic as the runoff approaches.
Election Day Details
Polls open Tuesday, December 2, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. across Jersey City. Voters who’d rather not go in person can still use ballot drop boxes until 8 p.m. on election day.
Both candidates are Democrats, but the race is officially non-partisan. Party labels don’t appear on the ballot—just the two names.
Who’s on the Ballot: McGreevey vs. Solomon
This runoff gives voters a pretty clear choice: one candidate with decades of statewide experience and name recognition, the other a local councilmember known for district-level advocacy and progressive reforms.
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Jim McGreevey’s Record and Platform
Jim McGreevey is hardly a stranger to New Jersey voters. He’s served as mayor of Woodbridge Township, state legislator, and governor.
His time as governor ended in 2004 after personal revelations, but he’s stayed active in public and nonprofit work since then.
In this mayoral run, McGreevey has focused on affordability and fiscal discipline. His platform includes:
He argues his experience with complex budgets and government gives him a unique edge to tackle Jersey City’s rising costs and growing pains.
James Solomon’s Vision for City Hall
James Solomon has represented downtown Jersey City on the City Council since 2017. He’s running on a platform that mixes affordability, reform, and a focus on city services.
He’s branded himself as an independent voice, even within local Democratic politics, and regularly highlights transparency and anti-corruption.
Solomon’s agenda hits a lot of the pressure points residents talk about:
By putting issues like housing stability and clean government front and center, Solomon appeals to voters worried about being priced out or left behind as development changes their neighborhoods.
Polling, Odds, and Momentum
While November’s results pointed to a competitive runoff, things might not be so close now. A recent poll from Solomon’s campaign puts him at 58% support, compared to 29% for McGreevey—a nearly 40-point gap.
Take internal polling with a grain of salt, but betting markets have also shifted toward Solomon, making him the clear favorite to be the next mayor.
McGreevey now faces the task of reintroducing himself to voters who know his name but might not know what he stands for today. Solomon, meanwhile, needs to keep up the momentum and make sure his supporters—and those who backed other candidates—turn out in December.
What’s at Stake for Residents and Neighborhoods
Beyond the personalities and polls, this runoff has real consequences for how Jersey City manages its growth. From Greenville to the Heights, Journal Square to the West Side, residents are asking: Will the city stay livable for working families?
Can longtime residents afford to stay as property values climb? And how will the next mayor balance development, public safety, and social services?
Why This Matters for the Future of Jersey City
Jersey City’s trajectory over the last decade has turned it into a regional powerhouse. Commuters, immigrants, students, and families all call it home now.
The new mayor will shape whether that growth stays inclusive and sustainable. For residents, renters, and homeowners, it all comes down to decisions on zoning, housing, school funding, and how the city invests in streets, parks, and transit.
The city’s rising profile as a destination is on the line, too. Visitors picking among Jersey City hotels, families searching for things to do in Jersey City, and commuters figuring out getting to Jersey City—they all bump up against the city’s planning, transit, and safety choices.
Even decisions about where to stay in Jersey City—from waterfront high-rises to historic brownstones—get shaped by the development policies the next mayor sets. It’s all connected, whether you’re just passing through or planting roots.
With December 2 coming up fast, Jersey City’s at a crossroads. Voters aren’t just choosing between Jim McGreevey and James Solomon; they’re deciding what kind of city they want in the next decade.
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Here is the source article for this story: How to vote in Jersey City’s runoff election Tuesday
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