Jersey City Mayoral Runoff: Solomon Faces McGreevey on Dec. 2

The race for mayor in Jersey City is set for a decisive runoff election on December 2, 2023. City Council member James Solomon will compete against former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey after neither candidate secured a majority in the initial election held on November 4. This runoff follows a crowded general election featuring seven candidates, which ultimately narrowed down to these two contenders.

According to the general election results, Solomon achieved approximately 29% of the vote, edging out McGreevey, who garnered around 25%. Former Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea was a close third with 21.4%. The runoff election is a standard practice in New Jersey when no candidate receives more than half of the total votes in municipal races.

Candidates’ Platforms and Polling Insights

Both candidates have distinct platforms. McGreevey, who has decades of political experience, plans to address housing affordability in Jersey City. He has committed to developing 1,000 new affordable homes and establishing 500 rental units specifically for seniors. McGreevey also proposes a “zero-based” budgeting approach that would require city departments to justify their budgets from scratch each year.

On the other hand, Solomon has represented downtown Jersey City on the City Council since 2017 and emphasizes affordable housing, educational improvements, and anti-corruption measures. His proposals include increasing the police force by 100 officers, establishing mental health crisis response teams, and creating grants to support local journalism. Notably, Solomon is a cancer survivor, having battled Hodgkin lymphoma in 2015.

Recent polling data appears to favor Solomon heading into the runoff. A poll conducted by Impact Research, commissioned by Solomon’s campaign, indicates he holds a substantial lead with 58% of respondents indicating support for him, compared to 29% for McGreevey. The poll also revealed that among voters who did not choose either candidate in the general election, nearly three-quarters would back Solomon.

Voting Details and Election Logistics

Unlike the general election, there will be no early voting for the runoff. Jersey City voters can still cast their ballots by mail or drop them off at designated locations. In-person polling will be open on December 2 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Voters can find their local polling places through the Hudson County Board of Elections website.

Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by December 2 and received by the elections board within six days of the election. Voters who did not receive their mail-in ballots are encouraged to contact the Hudson County Division of Elections at 201-369-3470 or via email at [email protected].

In addition to the mayoral race, the runoff will also include several Jersey City Council seats, offering residents a chance to influence local governance further. Sample ballots are available for review on the Hudson County Clerk’s webpage, ensuring voters are well-informed ahead of the critical election day.

As Jersey City prepares for this pivotal runoff, the outcome will significantly impact the city’s direction and governance in the years to come.