James E. McGreevey has received an early endorsement from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 for his bid to become the next mayor of Jersey City.
“Local 825 and the McGreevey’s have a deeply rooted history dating three generations of card-carrying members,” said Greg Lalevee, the Local 825 business manager. “From his time as a mayor, legislator, and then governor, the hardworking men and women of Operating Engineers have had Jim’s back – and we are proud to have his back again. We enthusiastically offer our full endorsement.”
Local 825 is one of the state’s most politically influential unions; their endorsements typically come with money and boots on the ground.
McGreevey, a former governor, is seeking a return to elected office as a candidate for mayor of the state’s second-largest city in the November 2025 non-partisan municipal election.
“Jersey City’s next Mayor will face challenges never seen before – from navigating development planning for the next generation, enhancing local transportation networks for residents and business, creating more employment opportunities, and building more affordable housing,” said Lalevee. “Thankfully, there is a candidate for mayor up to all of those challenges: Jim McGreevey.”
Two other candidates are also in the race: Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea and City Council President Joyce Watterman.
“I am honored to join forces with Local 825 and work together to create employment opportunities for Jersey City’s working families, more affordable housing for our community, and a thoughtful plan to grow our city for Generations to come,” stated McGreevey. “The Operating Engineers are my family, and I look forward to working together to win this campaign and build a Jersey City where working families can stay and succeed.”
McGreevey has already won endorsements from the International Longshoremen’s Association, the Jersey City Police Officers Benevolent Association, the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, and the Laborers’ International Union of North America. Two Teamsters locals are backing O’Dea