James Solomon (politician)
American politician (born 1984)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
James Slater Solomon[1] (born February 23, 1984[2]) is an American politician and educator who is the 50th mayor of Jersey City, New Jersey since January 15, 2026. A member of the Democratic Party, he served on the Jersey City Council representing Ward E from 2018 to 2026.[3]
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James Solomon | |
|---|---|
Solomon in 2025 | |
| 50th Mayor of Jersey City | |
| Assumed office January 15, 2026 | |
| Preceded by | Steven Fulop |
| Member of Jersey City Council from Ward E | |
| In office January 1, 2018 – January 14, 2026 | |
| Preceded by | Candice Osborne |
| Succeeded by | Eleana Little |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 23, 1984 Millburn, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Gabrielle Ramos |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Pomona College (BA) Harvard Kennedy School (MPP) |
Solomon won the 2025 Jersey City mayoral election in a runoff held in December 2025, defeating former New Jersey governor Jim McGreevey. He took office on January 15, 2026, succeeding Steven Fulop.[4][5][6]
Early life and career
Solomon grew up in Millburn, New Jersey, and attended Newark Academy, graduating in 2002.[4][7] In 2006, he received an undergraduate degree from Pomona College, where he studied public policy analysis.[8] 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.[8][4]
Solomon moved to Jersey City in 2014.[9] He taught government and politics at Saint Peter's University, New Jersey City University, and Hudson County Community College as an adjunct professor.[10]
Political career
Jersey City Council
In 2017, Solomon was elected to the Jersey City Council representing Ward E, which encompasses the downtown waterfront area.[3][8] He was sworn into office on January 1, 2018.[3] Solomon was re-elected in 2021 with 68.5% of the vote, a 15% increase from his initial election.[8] During his tenure on the council, he focused on issues including affordable housing, government transparency, and public safety.[3][8]
2025 mayoral election
In 2025, Solomon announced his candidacy for mayor of Jersey City.[8] The general election, held on November 4, 2025, featured seven candidates.[4][11] 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.[4][12]
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.[11][13] He also pledged to audit tax breaks provided to developers and implement measures to cap rent increases.[11] 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.[4][14]
In the runoff, Solomon defeated McGreevey decisively, securing approximately 68.7% of the vote.[4][11] He assumed office on January 15, 2026.[4][15]
Personal life
Solomon is married to Gabrielle Ramos, whom he met during graduate school at Harvard.[3] The couple have three daughters and resides in Jersey City.[3]
In 2015, Solomon was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma.[3] He underwent treatment and has been in remission since 2017.[3] Solomon has stated that this experience inspired his commitment to public service.[3][4]
Electoral history
2025 Jersey City mayoral election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan | James Solomon | 17,200 | 29.1 | − | |
| Nonpartisan | Jim McGreevey | 15,042 | 25.4 | − | |
| Nonpartisan | Bill O'Dea | 13,844 | 21.5 | − | |
| Nonpartisan | Mussab Ali | 11,877 | 18.4 | − | |
| Nonpartisan | Others | 3,762 | 6.6 | − | |
Note: No candidate received a majority, triggering a runoff between the top two candidates.[4]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan | James Solomon | 14,402 | 68.7 | − | |
| Nonpartisan | Jim McGreevey | 6,821 | 31.3 | − | |