Jersey City’s mayoral race has narrowed to a decisive runoff between former Gov. Jim McGreevey and Councilmember James Solomon, who will meet voters again on Dec. 2 after Solomon finished first in the Nov. 4 election but did not secure the required 50%. Their recent appearances, first in an interview on CBS News New York’s “The Point” and later in a crowded debate at the Greenville branch of the city library, offered a detailed view of their priorities, disagreements, and shared positions. Across both settings, affordability, public safety, and basic city services remained at the center of the discussion.
- James Solomon and Jim McGreevey head to a Dec. 2 runoff after Solomon’s Nov. 4 lead fell short of 50%.
- The candidates sharply split on a $1,000 rent cap, taxes, police staffing, and city services such as trash pickup and street cleaning.
- Both oppose the Pompidou museum plan and the NJ Turnpike expansion, but clashed over past housing records, developer ties, and the feasibility of proposals.
Escalating Pressure in the Final Days
The runoff arrives during an unusual time of year, early December, immediately after Thanksgiving, but the election date is fixed, and the candidates have adjusted to the accelerated pace. A poll released by Solomon’s campaign indicated that McGreevey was trailing by double digits, raising pressure on the former governor as the race enters its final stretch.
The intensity of the contest was evident at the debate, where about 150 people filled a basement meeting room. Audience reactions were loud and frequent, and one attendee was removed after repeatedly shouting about a rat infestation on Newark Avenue. Throughout the event, supporters of both candidates responded strongly to comments and accusations raised on stage.
Clear Divide on Affordability and Housing
Affordability has remained one of the most important issues in the race. Solomon’s primary housing proposal is to cap rents in designated affordable units at $1,000 per month, a measure he presents as a way to stabilize rising housing costs. McGreevey rejected this plan as “risky” and “financially impossible,” arguing that maintaining rents at that level would require city subsidies to property owners, shifting the financial burden onto property taxpayers.
Questions around developer influence also surfaced. Solomon has argued that McGreevey’s record on housing is compromised because he has accepted campaign contributions from developers. During the debate, however, Solomon faced scrutiny for his own council votes to award contracts to donors. He responded that the contracts always went to the low bidder, which is required by law, and said his votes reflected that standard.
Tensions rose further when Solomon referenced McGreevey’s tenure as mayor of Woodbridge, asserting that he had opposed affordable housing to keep “people of color” out. The comment drew strong reactions from the audience. McGreevey later addressed the claim by stating that when he was mayor in the 1990s, all housing in Woodbridge was affordable, making state requirements unnecessary at the time.
Quality-of-Life Concerns and Service Management
Residents have raised concerns about declining city services, including trash pickup, street maintenance, and traffic. During the CBS interview, Marcia Kramer said that many feel neither campaign has addressed these issues sufficiently.
Solomon said that the quality of life has declined and proposed implementing Citistat, a management system designed to track and improve city performance, including pothole repair and trash collection. He also stated that he plans to fire the current trash vendor.
McGreevey pointed to the age of the city’s infrastructure, stating that 50% of it is more than 100 years old, and said the city needs leadership capable of managing widespread updates. Both candidates agreed on the need for better street cleaning, while McGreevey added that he would expand the police department’s tools by creating a police motorcycle patrol to address problems involving E-bike riders.
Limited Agreement on Major Projects
Despite numerous disagreements, the candidates expressed shared positions on two major issues. Both support scrapping plans for the Pompidou art museum, and both oppose the New Jersey Turnpike expansion project. These are the only policy areas in the race where their positions fully align.
Personal Reflections and Closing Arguments
Both candidates offered brief personal reflections in response to lighter questions. They each said they had admitted they were wrong “this morning,” identified history as a favorite school subject, and described listening as a key quality they would bring to the mayor’s office.
Their closing messages, however, underscored their differences. Solomon framed the election as a choice focused on the future rather than the past, presenting himself as the candidate who can deliver change, expand recreational opportunities for children, improve services for seniors, and implement stable rent policies. McGreevey cautioned that while some of Solomon’s proposals may be well-meaning, they risk significant financial strain. He argued that poorly constructed policies could lead to high taxes, increased crime, and the possibility of Jersey City becoming a “ghost town.”
