JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) — Former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey is making a notable attempt at a political comeback more than two decades after his resignation from office. McGreevey is set to face off against James Solomon in a runoff election scheduled for December 2, 2025, in the race for mayor of Jersey City, the state’s second-largest city.
In the recent nonpartisan election held on November 4, 2025, neither candidate managed to secure more than 50% of the votes, which resulted in the need for a runoff. McGreevey and Solomon emerged as the top two vote-getters among seven candidates who sought to replace outgoing Mayor Steven Fulop, who opted not to pursue a fourth term.
Both McGreevey and Solomon are focusing their campaigns on addressing the affordability concerns within the city. They have been vocal about their opposing visions for Jersey City. McGreevey criticized Solomon by pointing out, “While Mr. Solomon served on the council for eight years, James has done nothing to address pocketbook concerns and the daily lives of working families.” Conversely, Solomon has not held back in his criticism, labeling McGreevey as a representation of “the corrupt, failed politicians of the past,” emphasizing that McGreevey had his chance and should not be given another opportunity.
McGreevey, a Democrat, was born in Jersey City and returned to the area in 2015. His political career took a drastic turn in 2004 when he resigned as governor after revealing an extramarital affair with a man he appointed as a state homeland security official. During his resignation, he famously declared, “I am a gay American.” Since stepping down, McGreevey has stayed out of the political limelight, focusing instead on personal development, including a divorce, attending seminary, and engaging in nonprofit work. He currently serves as executive director of the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, an organization aimed at helping recently released prisoners reintegrate into society.
On the other hand, Solomon was elected to the Jersey City council in 2017 and advocates for affordable housing and improved education. He has vowed to confront developers and special interests head-on. As a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor, he brings a personal narrative to his campaign, promising to establish a deputy mayor for education to enhance coordination between the city and the school district. Solomon also aims to hire 100 new police officers and supports the creation of a civilian complaint review board for the police, similar to the oversight agency in New York City, to enhance accountability regarding police misconduct.
The mayoral race has highlighted a range of pressing issues, such as housing affordability, police and public safety reforms, education improvements, traffic congestion, and the need for greater government transparency. Various candidates have proposed different strategies, including affordable housing requirements for new developments, capping rent increases, and lowering property taxes particularly for working-class families and senior citizens.
As the December runoff approaches, it will undoubtedly serve as a critical test for both candidates, each vying to showcase their viability in addressing the multifaceted challenges that Jersey City faces today.
