James Slater Solomon (born February 23, 1984) 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.
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.
Early life and career
Solomon grew up in Millburn, New Jersey, and attended Newark Academy, graduating in 2002. In 2006, he received an undergraduate degree from Pomona College, where he studied public policy analysis. 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.
Solomon moved to Jersey City in 2014.McDonald, Terrence T."A political star rises in Jersey City", The Jersey Journal, December 8, 2017. Accessed December 3, 2025. "That was the story Tuesday night, when James Solomon stunned Jersey City by winning the Ward E City Council seat.... On Nov. 7, Solomon came in second against four opponents, landing 735 votes behind first-place finisher Rebecca Symes, a 36-year-old attorney.... After all the votes were counted on Tuesday, Solomon bested Symes by 249 votes." He taught government and politics at Saint Peter's University, New Jersey City University, and Hudson County Community College as an adjunct professor.
Political career
Jersey City Council In 2017, Solomon was elected to the Jersey City Council representing Ward E, which encompasses the downtown waterfront area. He was sworn into office on January 1, 2018. Solomon was re-elected in 2021 with 68.5% of the vote, a 15% increase from his initial election. During his tenure on the council, he focused on issues including affordable housing, government transparency, and public safety.
2025 mayoral election In 2025, Solomon announced his candidacy for mayor of Jersey City. The general election, held on November 4, 2025, featured seven candidates. 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.
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. He also pledged to audit tax breaks provided to developers and implement measures to cap rent increases. 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.
In the runoff, Solomon defeated McGreevey decisively, securing approximately 68.7% of the vote. He assumed office on January 15, 2026.
Personal life Solomon is married to Gabrielle Ramos, whom he met during graduate school at Harvard. The couple have three daughters and resides in Jersey City.
In 2015, Solomon was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. He underwent treatment and has been in remission since 2017. Solomon has stated that this experience inspired his commitment to public service.
Electoral history
2025 Jersey City mayoral election
Note: No candidate received a majority, triggering a runoff between the top two candidates.
See also List of mayors of Jersey City, New Jersey 2025 United States elections
References
External links Jersey City Mayor's Office