A runoff election has been scheduled in Jersey City, New Jersey, between former Governor Jim McGreevey and City Councilman James Solomon. The contest for the mayoralty of the state’s second-largest city will take place on December 2, 2025, after no candidate secured an outright majority in the November general election. The campaign is centered on discussions of housing affordability, public safety, and government transparency.
Story Highlights
- Former Governor Jim McGreevey will face Councilman James Solomon in a runoff election on December 2, 2025.
- The election follows a general contest where neither candidate achieved a majority of the vote among seven total candidates.
- McGreevey is campaigning on his executive experience and social programs through the New Jersey Reentry Corporation.
- Solomon is focused on structural reforms to promote government accountability and transparency.
- Key campaign issues include housing affordability, public safety, and the role of special interests in government.
Context on Candidates
The runoff represents a contest between a candidate with previous executive experience and a councilman campaigning on a platform of structural change.Jim McGreevey is seeking a return to political office approximately two decades after his 2004 gubernatorial resignation. His resignation followed the disclosure of an extramarital affair and occurred amid federal investigations related to hiring practices during his administration. McGreevey’s current campaign highlights his executive experience and recent work with the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, an organization focused on social programs.
James Solomon, elected to the city council in 2017, has built his campaign on addressing issues of government transparency and accountability. His platform includes advocating for police oversight and challenging policies related to development. Solomon’s approach is focused on structural reforms intended to make city governance more responsive to residents’ interests.
Ex-NJ Gov. James McGreevey headed for runoff in Jersey City mayor race with James Solomon
December 2nd 2025 runoff— StanleyRLeszewski (@StanLeszewski) November 5, 2025
Central Campaign Issues
The campaigns of both candidates have addressed key issues facing Jersey City, reflecting different approaches to governance. Both McGreevey and Solomon have focused on the need to address rising housing costs and public safety.
McGreevey has emphasized his background as a former executive, while Solomon has prioritized reforms designed to prevent corruption and increase government accountability to taxpayers. The race presents Jersey City voters with a choice between a candidate returning to political life and a candidate advocating for an agenda focused on governmental reform. The outcome of the December 2025 runoff is anticipated to influence future political discourse in New Jersey.
Watch the report: Is the Jersey City mayor’s race heading for a runoff?
Sources:
CBS New York – Jersey City Mayor Race Runoff
Wikipedia – 2025 Jersey City Mayoral Election
Former Gov. Jim McGreevey and James Solomon advance to runoff in race for Jersey City mayor – ABC7 New York
