Jersey City Runoff Election: Solomon Faces McGreevey for Mayor

The race for mayor of Jersey City is set to culminate in a runoff election on December 2, 2023. City councilmember James Solomon will contend against former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey as residents return to the polls to finalize their choice for the city’s leadership. This runoff follows a crowded general election on November 4, where seven candidates vied for the position, ultimately narrowing the field down to these two contenders.

In the initial election, Solomon emerged as the top vote-getter, securing just over 29% of the votes. McGreevey followed closely with approximately 25%, while former Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea garnered 21.4%. With no candidate achieving a majority, New Jersey law mandates a runoff, occurring four Tuesdays after the general election.

Candidates and Their Platforms

Jim McGreevey brings decades of political experience to the race, having previously served as the mayor of Woodbridge Township, a state senator, and an assemblymember. Elected governor in 2001, he resigned two years later after publicly disclosing his sexual orientation and an extramarital affair. McGreevey’s campaign focuses on affordability, promising to construct 1,000 new affordable homes and 500 affordable rental units for seniors. He advocates for a requirement that 20% of new developments be designated for affordable housing. In addition, he proposes a “zero-based” budgeting approach to ensure city departments start their budgets from scratch each year.

In contrast, James Solomon has served on the Jersey City Council since 2017 and previously worked as an aide to the Mayor of Boston. His platform emphasizes affordable housing, enhancements to public schools, and anti-corruption measures. Solomon aims to create grants and fellowships for local journalism, increase the police force by 100 officers, and establish a mental health crisis response team. He also seeks to address high rent increases, having personally battled Hodgkin lymphoma in 2015.

Recent polling indicates a significant shift in favor of Solomon. An Impact Research poll commissioned by Solomon’s campaign shows him with a substantial lead, capturing 58% of support compared to 29% for McGreevey. Among voters who supported other candidates in the general election, nearly three-quarters expressed a preference for Solomon in the runoff.

Voting Information and Expectations

Betting markets have also shifted, previously favoring McGreevey but now showing increased confidence in Solomon’s chances. Unlike the general election, there will be no early voting for the runoff. Voters can mail in their ballots or drop them off at designated locations. In-person voting will occur on December 2 from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Voters can find their local polling places online, and any ballots submitted by mail must be postmarked by December 2 and received by the Hudson County Board of Elections within six days.

Residents are encouraged to check their sample ballots on the Hudson County Clerk’s website to prepare for the runoff. This election will also include several Jersey City Council seats, making it crucial for voters to stay informed.

As the runoff election approaches, the atmosphere in Jersey City is charged with anticipation. The outcome will not only determine the city’s next mayor but also shape the political landscape for years to come.