Jersey City voters delivered a decisive victory to City Council member James Solomon on December 2, effectively crushing former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey’s ambitious attempt to resurrect his political career following years of scandal.
The Associated Press called the mayoral race at 8:40 p.m., with Solomon capturing a commanding 68 percent of the vote compared to McGreevey’s 32 percent showing. The result represents a significant political setback for the former governor, who resigned from office in 2004 amid corruption allegations and personal scandal.
Solomon, who has served on Jersey City’s City Council since 2017, ran a campaign focused on local governance and community issues, successfully positioning himself as the fresh alternative to McGreevey’s controversial political baggage. The victory marks a major milestone for the council member as he prepares to lead New Jersey’s second-largest city.
McGreevey’s defeat signals the end of what many political observers viewed as an unlikely comeback attempt. The former governor’s tenure was marred by ethics violations and his dramatic resignation following revelations about an extramarital affair with a male aide whom he had appointed to a homeland security position despite questionable qualifications.
The election outcome reflects Jersey City voters’ preference for established local leadership over the uncertainty of McGreevey’s return to public office. Solomon’s substantial margin of victory suggests residents were largely unconvinced by the former governor’s promises of redemption and renewed public service.
As mayor-elect, Solomon will inherit leadership of a diverse city of approximately 270,000 residents, facing challenges including affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and economic development. His transition team is expected to begin forming a new administration that will take office in January.
The decisive nature of Solomon’s victory provides him with a strong mandate to implement his policy agenda and demonstrates Jersey City voters’ confidence in his vision for the municipality’s future direction.
