The Jersey City mayoral race is heating up. A new internal poll, commissioned by Bill O’Dea’s campaign and conducted by Hart Research, shows just how close the contest really is.
Former Governor James J. McGreevey sits only slightly ahead in this crowded field. The poll also points out a striking number of undecided voters, which could easily tip the scales in any direction.
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With Mayor Steve Fulop stepping aside, November’s contest has turned into one of the city’s most closely watched political battles in recent memory. The tension is palpable, and honestly, it’s anyone’s game at this point.
Breaking Down the Poll Numbers
Here’s what the numbers look like: McGreevey leads with 23% support. Bill O’Dea and City Councilman James Solomon both trail closely at 20% each.
Mussab Ali, former School Board President, has 12%. City Council President Joyce Watterman lands at just 3%.
And here’s the kicker—21% of respondents still haven’t made up their minds. That’s a massive chunk, and it could flip the whole race upside down.
Candidate Favorability Ratings
The survey also asked voters how they feel about each candidate:
- James J. McGreevey – 47% positive, 29% negative
- Bill O’Dea – 46% positive, 12% negative
- James Solomon – 41% positive, 16% negative
McGreevey’s got the broadest name recognition, for sure. O’Dea, though, seems to have fewer people who dislike him—never a bad thing in politics.
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Solomon’s numbers show some momentum, but there’s still a hint of hesitation among voters sizing up their options.
The Key Players in This Race
Bill O’Dea leans on his long experience in local government. He’s been a Hudson County Commissioner and served on the City Council.
He talks a lot about strengthening community infrastructure and making sure development actually benefits residents. There’s a clear focus on the people who live here, not just developers.
James J. McGreevey’s Statewide Presence
McGreevey uses his status as a former Governor to reach voters from all over the city. That name recognition gives him a boost, but the poll makes it clear—he still needs to win over more folks as Election Day approaches.
James Solomon keeps his campaign centered on transparency, affordability, and environmental sustainability. As a current city councilman, he appeals to people who want progressive change and more accountability at City Hall.
Undecided Voters Could Determine Outcome
With more than one-fifth of voters undecided, the next few weeks are going to get intense. Campaigns will ramp up door-to-door outreach, debates, and local events, hoping to win over these holdouts.
The Possibility of a Runoff
Jersey City rules say you need over 50% of the vote to win outright. Since no one’s even close, a runoff—set for December 2 if needed—looks more and more likely.
Mayor Steve Fulop’s Departure
This race follows Mayor Fulop’s announcement that he won’t run again. Instead, he’ll head up the Partnership for New York City in 2025.
His exit opens the door to a new era for Jersey City. Every vote this year feels like it matters just a little more.
Why This Matters for Residents and Visitors
Leadership changes at City Hall can shake up everything from budget priorities to economic growth. For residents, that could mean new policies on housing, public safety, or community services.
And for visitors? It might affect local tourism and investment in attractions—definitely something to keep in mind if you’re looking for things to do in Jersey City.
Connecting Politics to Jersey City’s Future
No matter who wins, the next mayor will help shape development projects and support hospitality businesses—think Jersey City hotels.
They’ll also influence neighborhood identities across different city districts. That could sway where tourists choose to stay and how locals experience life here, day in and day out.
Getting to Jersey City for Election Season
With political energy running high, political enthusiasts, journalists, and campaign volunteers are already talking about getting to Jersey City to witness this historic race. Whether you take the PATH train, hop on a bus, or grab a ferry, the city’s solid connectivity makes it a pretty easy spot for regional visitors and media to reach.
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Here is the source article for this story: O’Dea internal poll shows 3-way tie for Jersey City mayor
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