The race to lead Jersey City has entered a heated final stage. Two prominent Democratic figures are now vying for the mayor’s seat in a December 2 runoff election.
Former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey and City Councilman James Solomon are going head-to-head after neither secured more than 50% of the vote on Election Day. This contest feels like more than just a clash of personalities—it’s a battle over campaign funding, city affordability, and what safety should really look like.
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The Candidates in Focus
James Solomon emerged from the first round of voting with just over 29% of the ballots. He’s positioning himself as the more progressive choice in the runoff.
Solomon is known for pushing housing affordability and government transparency. He’s picked up endorsements from three former mayoral candidates.
His campaign has focused on criticizing McGreevey’s fundraising, especially the nearly $1 million reportedly accepted from real estate developers linked to Charles Kushner and Donald Trump.
McGreevey’s Political Comeback
Jim McGreevey got just over 25% of the vote. He’s no stranger to controversy—or public service.
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Once the Governor of New Jersey, he resigned in 2004 after admitting to an affair. He says he’s moved on, pointing to his prison re-entry and rehabilitation work.
McGreevey brushes off Solomon’s accusations as “nuts.” He argues that, under Solomon’s watch, property taxes and rents have climbed while affordable housing projects have stalled out.
Promises and Policy Visions
Both candidates have put affordability and safety at the center of their campaigns. Solomon wants rent caps and plans to hire 100 new police officers.
He’s prioritizing housing stability and security. Meanwhile, McGreevey is pushing for community policing, betting that stronger relationships between police and residents will improve public safety without expanding the force too much.
Endorsement Landscape
Outgoing Mayor Steven Fulop hasn’t endorsed either contender, though he’s said some positive things about McGreevey. Former candidate Musab Ali has gone further, criticizing McGreevey’s past resignation and questioning whether he’s right for city leadership now.
McGreevey calls himself a “lifelong Democrat” and accuses Solomon of distracting voters with alleged Trump connections instead of tackling local issues.
Connections to Development and Growth
Real estate sits at the heart of this race. Jersey City’s transformation, driven by new projects, has raised tough questions about who benefits from the changes.
Will growth help current residents, or just push them out? Both campaigns face scrutiny over their developer ties and how they’ll balance progress with fairness.
A Voter’s Guide for December 2
If you’re planning to vote in the runoff, expect Jersey City to be lively that weekend. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are plenty of Jersey City hotels and restaurants to check out—maybe it’s not a bad time to explore the area a bit.
Exploring the City on Election Weekend
Even with all the political buzz, there are still so many things to do in Jersey City. You can wander along the waterfront, soaking in the skyline, or duck into one of the city’s world-class dining spots.
Voters and visitors get to enjoy the vibrant local culture, no matter which city district they end up in. If you’re not sure where to stay in Jersey City, don’t worry—plenty of well-reviewed hotels sit just steps from the main voting hubs.
Locals and tourists both find transportation easy here, whether you’re hopping on a train, catching a bus, taking the ferry, or just driving in. As residents gear up to decide between Solomon and McGreevey, Jersey City keeps showing off its energy and charm.
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Here is the source article for this story: Jersey City, N.J. mayoral candidates Jim McGreevey, James Solomon ramp up attacks ahead of runoff election
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