James Solomon Announces Jersey City Mayoral Run: “We Need a City for All”

James Solomon Announces Jersey City Mayoral Run: “We Need a City for All”

James Solomon Announces Jersey City Mayoral Run: “We Need a City for All”

Jersey City, NJ—Vowing to take Jersey City in a new direction, fight corruption, and create a city that benefits everyone, Jersey City Council Member James Solomon announced today that he will be running for mayor. Solomon was flanked by family, friends, and hundreds of supporters at his kickoff event at the Jersey City theater. The strength and grassroots excitement showed why Solomon is a top contender to be Jersey City’s next mayor. 

Endorsing James at the launch was: 

• Danielle Walker, community activist, mother, longtime Jersey City resident, and resident of the Holland Gardens community.
• Wendy Tom, mother and longtime resident of Jersey City.
• Tom Monahan, former housing attorney, community leader, and President of the Harsimus Cove Association.
• Katie Brennan, champion of governance grounded in equity, efficiency, and efficacy. With expertise in affordable housing, environmental justice, and sexual assault survivor protections. 

In remarks, Solomon said: 

“Jersey City is at a critical moment in our history. The very things that make Jersey City special are at risk. In my classrooms at NJCU, Hudson County, and Saint Peter’s, I hear my students ask who does this city, and its government, serve?

• Development is changing our city in ways people don’t feel they have a voice in. 
• Rising property taxes and rents are forcing lifelong residents into the impossible dilemma: do I stay and somehow manage or do I go and leave a community I deeply love?
• Basic city services are at a breaking point – calls to 911 go unanswered, and trash litters our sidewalks.
• There are fewer recreation and educational opportunities for young people today than 30 years ago – opportunities that provide kids with purpose, passion, and preparation for life.

These challenges are not a natural state of being – they are the direct result of a political system that puts the powerful before the people. 

We need to change that system; we need a city that works for all. And that’s why I am here to announce that I am running to be the next Mayor of Jersey City! 

Together, we can have a city where development serves us rather than developers, bringing affordable homes, public schools, and open space. 

Where, when you call a government office, the speed of response is not determined by who you know or what campaign you may have supported.

Where your property taxes are stable.

We have a big challenge in front of us. We know this campaign will not be easy. 

But there will be a clear choice for Jersey City. So I ask you, the voters, to answer the fundamental questions of this election: 

• Who can you trust…who can you trust to serve you, first and foremost? 
• Who has kept that trust and never let you down? 
• Who has the ideas for 2040, not 2004?
• And who is running for you, not running to use your future to rewrite their personal history.

Jersey City deserves a fresh start– free from the past and with a vision for our future. Jersey City deserves a government as good as its people. I, alone, cannot deliver that, but together we can.”

Since entering the City Council in 2018, James has made creating a livable, safe, and prosperous Jersey City the cornerstone of his work. Those accomplishments include:

• A Right to Counsel for all Jersey City Residents: Solomon was the primary sponsor of the legislation. When fully implemented, it will serve an estimated 1,500 tenants per year. The legislation will provide low-to-moderate-income tenants facing eviction in Jersey City.

• Protected Liberty State Park: Successfully partnered with grassroots activists to defeat Paul Fireman’s plans to build a golf course on Jersey City’s most pristine natural area.

• Ending Tax Abatements For Luxury Developments Because Big Developers Don’t Need More Giveaways: During James’ seven years on the council, not a single abatement has been given to a developer to build a luxury housing project.

• Fighting Corruption And Maintaining Independence From The Corrupt Hudson County Machine: Throughout his time, James has maintained his independence from the corrupt Hudson County machine. He joined the lawsuit with Rep. Andy Kim, which ended NJ’s practice of the line. Ending the practice is crucial to level the playing field and ensure NJ voters pick their representatives, not unelected bosses.

• Stood Up for Small Businesses by Ending Corporate Price Gouging: James authored and passed a bill restricting major delivery apps from overcharging customers and restaurants. The bill also offers more protections for delivery workers and business owners.

In her remarks, Danielle Walker said: “Our neighborhood has been changing since before James was on the council. When he became our councilperson, he began working with us to amplify our voices throughout those changes. Through this long and challenging process, James has always been there to advocate for our needs and make sure we are heard. He’s always been there to listen and fight for us.He approaches every challenge with the same passion I witnessed on that first day, but what stands out most is his deep sense of responsibility to our community. He listens, he acts, and he fights for what’s right—not just for some, but for all. That’s why I believe James is not only fit to be mayor but is the leader Jersey City needs. His vision, integrity, and proven track record make him the perfect candidate to take this city to the next level.” 

In her remarks, Wendy Tom said: “Every time I have reached out to James, he has always been responsive.   He remains deeply connected with the needs of his constituents, and has never once wavered in his values. I have seen personally that James is true to his word.” 

In his remarks, Tom Monahan said: “James is offering a humble, effective and independent new way forward for Jersey City. For these reasons, as well as James’ commitment to infrastructure improvements, education, pedestrian safety and support for working families in Jersey City, I’m proud to support James at the ballot box in November—of 2025.”.
Katie Brennan said in remarks: “Whether he was the face or behind the scenes, James was the one who got it done best for the city, best for the people of this city. He studies the policy, he asks the experts, he navigates the players, the stakeholders. He’s both idealistic and pragmatic. Most importantly he makes it happen. This is how I know James Solomon should be the next Mayor of Jersey City.”