Shocking Upset: How James Solomon Stunned Ex-Gov. Jim McGreevey in Jersey City’s Wild Election!

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) — In a significant political upset, James Solomon has been elected mayor of Jersey City, defeating former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey in a runoff election. This election marks McGreevey's first attempt at public office since his scandalous resignation more than 20 years ago, an event that still resonates in the state's political landscape.

As the crowd erupted in cheers following the announcement, Solomon declared, “Now the mission is clear, and the work begins tonight. And the work we have to do is making Jersey City affordable. So I say tonight, an affordable Jersey City starts now.” This focus on affordability is a pressing issue for many residents, as the city grapples with rising costs exacerbated by new developments catering primarily to affluent New York City commuters.

Solomon, who has served on the city council since 2017, won the runoff after a competitive initial round of voting on November 4, where he and McGreevey were the top two of seven candidates. Although the election was nonpartisan, both candidates are affiliated with the Democratic Party. McGreevey, reflecting on his campaign, expressed gratitude to his supporters and stated, “There’s nothing I would change in this campaign,” underscoring the grassroots efforts he made to connect with the community.

The Challenge of Affordability

At just 41 years old, Solomon's electoral platform was built on addressing affordability, a concern echoed nationwide as cities face mounting costs of living. In Jersey City, the challenge is particularly acute, with a municipal budget of approximately $700 million and rising property taxes threatening to make housing increasingly inaccessible. The city’s dynamics, characterized by a mixture of high-rises and diverse immigrant neighborhoods, necessitate urgent action to balance growth with affordability.

His victory parallels that of Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s newly elected mayor who also ran on an affordability platform. Both elections reflect a broader trend among urban voters seeking candidates who prioritize economic accessibility in rising cost environments.

A Political Comeback Denied

The Jersey City election attracted national attention, particularly due to McGreevey’s candidacy. His resignation from the governor's office in 2004, famously punctuated by his declaration, “I am a gay American,” marked a dramatic exit from politics that left a lasting mark on New Jersey’s history. His administration had been marred by controversy, particularly concerning his hiring of Golan Cipel as a security advisor, a move criticized for its lack of transparency and qualifications.

In his remarks following the election, Solomon acknowledged McGreevey’s campaign efforts, but maintained that the former governor embodied “the politics of the past,” highlighting the need for new leadership free from scandal. “There were just scandal after scandal after scandal,” Solomon noted, which he considered a disqualifying factor for McGreevey.

Jersey City's residents, numbering around 303,000, will now look to Solomon for solutions to a myriad of challenges, including public safety, education, and housing costs. The outgoing mayor, Steven Fulop, chose not to seek a fourth term after his unsuccessful bid for governor.

Solomon’s plans include hiring 100 new police officers and establishing a civilian complaint review board to enhance accountability in law enforcement. He also aims to coordinate more effectively between city government and the independent school district by appointing a deputy mayor for education. His legislative record includes initiatives designed to protect tenants' rights, such as banning rent-increasing algorithms and ensuring access to legal counsel for renters.

Furthermore, Solomon has committed to standing against federal policies from President Donald Trump that threaten Jersey City’s immigration protections. His own background, including a master’s degree from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and experience as an aide to former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, lends him a wealth of knowledge as he embarks on this new chapter in public service.

As Solomon begins his term, he carries the hopes of many residents who seek a more affordable and equitable Jersey City. Voters have made their choice clear, signaling a desire for change and a rejection of past controversies. With a personal story of resilience—having battled Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and emerged in remission—Solomon’s journey to the mayoralty is not just a political victory but also a testament to his commitment to giving back to a city that supported him through his toughest times.