James Solomon elected Jersey City mayor, turning away Jim McGreevey’s comeback bid

Solomon defeated the former governor in a runoff after they finished first and second last month in a general election with seven candidates on the ballot.

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — James Solomon was elected mayor of Jersey City on Tuesday, thwarting former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey’s bid for a political comeback.

Addressing supporters who had gathered to watch returns and cheer him on, Solomon said: “Now, the mission is clear. The work begins tonight. And the work that we have to do is make Jersey City affordable.”

Solomon, a City Council member since 2017, defeated McGreevey in a runoff after they finished first and second in a general election last month with seven candidates on the ballot.

Neither man received more than 50% of the Nov. 4 vote, sending the contest to an extra round.

At a gathering less than a mile away from where Solomon’s supporters gathered, McGreevey said in conceding defeat: “I want to say, from my heart, I congratulate Councilman — now Mayor-elect — James Solomon,” McGreevey said.