Solomon names Laura Bustamante as chief of staff in Jersey City

A top aide to U.S. Senator Andy Kim will return to Jersey City as chief of staff to the city’s new mayor, James Solomon.

Laura Bustamante, a prominent statewide Democratic strategist, will assume one of the most powerful posts in New Jersey’s second-largest city.

A highly-regarded rising star in New Jersey politics, Bustamente began her political career as Solomon’s chief of staff after he won a city council seat in 2017.

“Her extensive experience and deep commitment to public service will be vital as we work to create an affordable Jersey City that serves all our residents,” said Solomon.  “Laura’s innovative approach to community engagement and her dedication to transparency and inclusivity will ensure that our administration builds a City where everyone has a voice and an opportunity to succeed.”

She was deputy campaign manager for Solomon’s 2021 re-election bid, campaign manager for Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh’s 2022 re-election, and worked for the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice and Tonio Burgos’ lobbying firm.  Bustamante was the political director for Kim’s 2024 U.S. Senate race and has been his deputy state director for the last year.

“I’ve loved my time working with Laura on our campaign and in building our Senate office. She has become a rising star and next-generation leader in our state,” Kim said.  “I’m excited for this next phase to have her and James as partners in serving the people of Jersey City.”

Solomon was the top vote-getter in the November non-partisan municipal election and won the December runoff by a 2-1 margin.  He will take office in January as Jersey City’s 50th mayor with a majority of seats on the city council.

Bustamente, born in Colombia, has graduate degrees in public administration and public policy, and protection management.  She serves on the board of the Hudson Pride Center and has served on the Garden State Equality board and the Latino Action Network steering committee.