You Won't Believe What Former NJ Governor Jim McGreevey Revealed During the Heated Jersey City Mayor Runoff!

JERSEY CITY (WABC) — Voters in Jersey City are heading to the polls today for a highly anticipated mayoral runoff election between former Governor Jim McGreevey and current City Councilmember James Solomon. This election follows a general election on November 4, where no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, necessitating a runoff between the top two vote-getters. Solomon, who has served on the City Council since 2017, finished first in that initial contest, with McGreevey, who is 68 years old, placing second.

Jersey City, located just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, is often referred to as New York City's sixth borough. The town has been undergoing significant transformation, with upscale developments juxtaposed against working-class neighborhoods. The growing disparity between these two environments has left many residents seeking a leader who can address issues of affordability and development in a city that is rapidly changing.

Both candidates, while Democrats in a nonpartisan election, present differing visions for the future of Jersey City. McGreevey is attempting a political comeback after resigning as governor in 2004. He argues for fiscal responsibility, emphasizing the need for affordable housing alongside market-rate developments. “It’s not only just allowing market-rate housing to be built, but having 20% set aside for affordable housing over that market rate,” McGreevey stated. He believes that such housing initiatives could also create job opportunities for young people in the community.

In contrast, the 41-year-old Solomon positions himself as a fresh alternative, likening his political approach to that of New York City’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Solomon has focused his campaign on creating affordable housing and tackling rising property taxes, asserting that the current development trends have not adequately served the city's lower-income residents. “We’re going to audit every tax break that’s going out to a developer,” he declared, adding that he plans to hold corporations accountable for their payroll tax obligations.

The candidates' contrasting views highlight a broader debate on affordable housing in Jersey City. Solomon proposes legislation that would compel developers to allocate a portion of new projects for low-rent housing, including units priced at $1,000 and below. McGreevey has criticized this plan, suggesting that such housing might end up being substandard. “If you were to do $1,000 a month rent, the size of the blueprint is going to be inadequate for a family,” he countered, emphasizing the need for quality in housing solutions.

The runoff comes on the heels of the recent gubernatorial election in New Jersey and is occurring shortly after the Thanksgiving holiday. Some residents worry about “voter burnout” following a series of elections, yet they express a strong desire to ensure their voices are heard in this critical local decision. “There is a lot of overcrowding... the infrastructure isn’t coming up to meet all of the new building,” one voter remarked, illustrating the pressing challenges faced by the community as development continues to accelerate.

While Solomon depicts himself as an outsider despite his council tenure, McGreevey has the backing of much of the Democratic establishment, including outgoing Governor Phil Murphy and the Jersey City police union. Solomon has garnered support from many of the initial contenders in the mayoral race, as well as endorsements from influential figures like Senator Andy Kim, who has called for a “new era of politics” in New Jersey.

Ultimately, the outcome of this election will not only determine the next mayor of Jersey City but will also signal the direction the city takes in addressing the crucial issues of housing, affordability, and development. With both candidates presenting starkly different visions for the future, voters face a pivotal choice that could shape the character of their community for years to come.