James Solomon (politician)
James Solomon | |
|---|---|
Solomon in 2025 | |
| Mayor-elect of Jersey City | |
| Assuming office January 1, 2026 | |
| Succeeding | Steven Fulop |
| Member of the Jersey City Council from Ward E | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Candice Osborne |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1983 or 1984 (age 41–42) Millburn, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Gabrielle Ramos |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Pomona College (BA) Harvard Kennedy School (MPP) |
James Solomon (born 1983 or 1984) is an American politician and educator who is the mayor-elect of Jersey City, New Jersey. A member of the Democratic Party, he served on the Jersey City Council representing Ward E from 2018 to 2026.[1]
Solomon won the 2025 Jersey City mayoral election in a runoff held in December 2025, defeating former New Jersey governor Jim McGreevey. He is set to take office on January 1, 2026, succeeding Steven Fulop.[2][3][4]
Early life and education
Solomon grew up in Millburn, New Jersey, and attended Newark Academy, graduating in 2002.[2][5] In 2006, he received an undergraduate degree from Pomona College, where he studied public policy analysis.[6] He went on to obtain a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School. He also served as an aide to Boston mayor Thomas Menino.[6][2]
Solomon moved to Jersey City in 2014.[7] He taught government and politics at Saint Peter's University, New Jersey City University, and Hudson County Community College as an adjunct professor.[8]
Political career
Jersey City Council
In 2017, Solomon was elected to the Jersey City Council representing Ward E, which encompasses the downtown waterfront area.[1][6] He was sworn into office on January 1, 2018.[1] Solomon was re-elected in 2021 with 68.5% of the vote, a 15% increase from his initial election.[6] During his tenure on the council, he focused on issues including affordable housing, government transparency, and public safety.[1][6]
2025 mayoral election
In 2025, Solomon announced his candidacy for mayor of Jersey City.[6] The general election, held on November 4, 2025, featured seven candidates.[2][9] Solomon and former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey emerged as the top two candidates, but neither secured a majority, leading to a runoff election on December 2, 2025.[2][10]
Solomon's campaign emphasized making Jersey City more affordable, hiring additional police officers while establishing police oversight mechanisms, and enhancing coordination with the city's schools.[9][11] He also pledged to audit tax breaks provided to developers and implement measures to cap rent increases.[9] Solomon received endorsements from New Jersey Senator Andy Kim and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, as well as from several candidates who had been eliminated in the first round.[2][12]
In the runoff, Solomon defeated McGreevey decisively, securing approximately 68.7% of the vote.[2][9] He is scheduled to take office as mayor on January 1, 2026.[2][13]
Personal life
Solomon is married to Gabrielle Ramos, whom he met during graduate school at Harvard.[1] The couple has three daughters and resides in Jersey City.[1]
In 2015, Solomon was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma.[1] He underwent treatment and has been in remission since 2017.[1] Solomon has stated that this experience inspired his commitment to public service.[1][2]
Electoral history
2025 Jersey City mayoral election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | James Solomon | ||||
| Democratic | Jim McGreevey | ||||
| Democratic | Others (5 candidates) | ||||
Note: No candidate received a majority, triggering a runoff between the top two candidates.[2]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | James Solomon | 68.7 | |||
| Democratic | Jim McGreevey | 31.3 | |||
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "James Solomon, Ward E". City of Jersey City. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Sisak, Michael R. (December 2, 2025). "James Solomon is elected Jersey City mayor, turning away ex-NJ Gov. Jim McGreevey's comeback bid". Associated Press. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
- ^ Hayes, Mike (December 3, 2025). "James Solomon wins Jersey City mayor's race against former NJ Gov. Jim McGreevey". Gothamist. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
- ^ "Progressive topples former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey in Jersey City mayoral runoff". POLITICO. December 2, 2025. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
- ^ "Class Notes". Outreach. Newark Academy. Fall 2010. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f Thomsen, Marilyn (February 18, 2025). "James Solomon '06 Applies Pomona College Education to Jersey City Mayor's Race". Pomona College. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
- ^ McDonald, Terrence T."A political star rises in Jersey City", The Jersey Journal, December 8, 2017. Accessed December 3, 2025. "That was the story Tuesday night, when James Solomon stunned Jersey City by winning the Ward E City Council seat.... On Nov. 7, Solomon came in second against four opponents, landing 735 votes behind first-place finisher Rebecca Symes, a 36-year-old attorney.... After all the votes were counted on Tuesday, Solomon bested Symes by 249 votes."
- ^ Cucurullo, Patrick (March 24, 2019). "A Politician in Our Midst: Professor James Solomon". Saint Peter's Tribune. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "James Solomon elected Jersey City mayor, beating Jim McGreevey, AP projects". CBS News. December 2, 2025. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
- ^ "James Solomon elected Jersey City mayor, halting ex-NJ Gov. Jim McGreevey comeback bid". WNBC. December 2, 2025. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
- ^ "Former Governor Jim McGreevey and James Solomon battle in runoff election for Jersey City mayor". WABC-TV. December 1, 2025. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
- ^ "Progressive James Solomon wins big in Jersey City, snapping Jim McGreevey's comeback bid". The Jersey Vindicator. December 2, 2025. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
- ^ Tulley, Tracey (December 2, 2025). "James Solomon Beats Jim McGreevey, a Former Governor, in Jersey City". The New York Times. Retrieved December 2, 2025.