The New Jersey Globe can project that Democratic Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop has won re-election against progressive newcomer Lewis Spears.
Fulop, a potential gubernatorial candidate in the future, was the strong favorite against Spears, who was registered as a Republican until recently. The mayor hugely outraised his opponent and got nearly every endorsement in the race.
But while Fulop’s re-election was always a likely thing, the election of his council slate was not as guaranteed, and many on Fulop’s faced more serious challengers.
The three at-large candidates on Fulop’s slate – Council President Joyce Watterman, Councilman Daniel Rivera, and Hudson County Democratic Chair Amy DeGise – all seemed to win their contests, as did Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley and Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh.
Fulop’s endorsement was not always kingmaker, however. In Ward E, Fulop backed municipal prosecutor Jake Hudnut against progressive incumbent Councilman James Solomon, a contest which Solomon won.
In Ward F, Frank Gilmore has unseated Councilman Jermaine Robinson. Races in Wards B and C are too close to call.
This story was updated at 9:15 p.m. with results from council races.