James Solomon has picked up a potentially key endorsement in his bid for mayor of Jersey City: Katie Brennan, a Jersey City activist who won a stunning victory in the Democratic primary for State Assembly in June against candidates backed by the Hudson County Democratic Organization and another slate supported by Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop.
The move is not a surprise since Solomon, a city councilman who represents the burgeoning downtown area, backed Brennan in her bid for the legislature.
“People want elected officials who will work for them instead of corporate donors, and James has the values, judgment, and track record to be that kind of mayor,” Brennan stated. “He’s the one you go to if you need something done. From stop signs to the payroll tax on big businesses to fund our schools, he’s responsive to issues in our community, and he’s always fighting to make Jersey City affordable for everyone.”
Brennan is a sure bet to win the general election in the 32nd legislative district, which includes Hoboken and part of Jersey City, against Republicans Stephen Bishop and Kaushal Patel. The district went for Kamala Harris by 43 points in 2024 and for Phil Murphy by 54 points in 2021.
In the Democratic primary, Brennan leveraged her own grassroots support to lead the six-candidate field with 7,319 votes; that put her 307 votes ahead of her ally in the contest, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla. Bhalla finished 179 votes in front of incumbent Jessica Ramirez (D-Jersey City), who ran with Fulop. Hoboken Library Director Jenny Pu and Jersey City employee Crystal Fonseca, the organization-backed candidates, finished fourth and sixth, respectively; Jersey City Councilman Yousef Saleh, who ran with Ramirez, came in fifth.
In the November non-partisan mayoral race to succeed Fulop, Solomon faces former Gov. James E. McGreevey, Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea, former Board of Education President Mussab Ali, and City Council President Joyce Watterman.
“People are ready for change,” Brennan said. “The old way of doing politics in New Jersey is on the way out, and we’re building something better.”
Solomon praised Brennan, saying her “dedication to our community and her remarkable victory against the Hudson County machine in the primary reflect her commitment to making Jersey City a better and more inclusive place for all residents.”
“Together, we’re going to take on the housing affordability crisis, improve our schools, and make Jersey City a better place for everyone,” he said.