Mamdani's Not Alone: 2 Democratic Socialists Declare Victory In Jersey City

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Councilman James Solomon defeated ex-Gov. Jim McGreevey on Tuesday to become the next mayor of Jersey City — and at least two City Council runoff elections brought upsets, too. (See The Solomon/McGreevey results here.)

Two council candidates, both Democratic Socialists, declared early victories on Tuesday.

As with New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani, Democratic Socialists appear to be gaining mainstream support in liberal areas.

Both of the Jersey City council candidates had focused on rent increases and other affordability issues in a city rife with redevelopment, and where rents are said to be among the highest in the nation. READ MORE: Jersey City And Hoboken Rents Among Highest In Nation

Jersey City is the second largest city in New Jersey.

2 Candidates Declares Victory

Joe Brooks, a labor organizer, declared victory in Ward B around 8:25 p.m.

"Brooks, the progressive, labor-backed choice for City Council, defeated a machine candidate backed by real estate developers and the corrupt former Gov. Jim McGreevey," declared the labor organizer's camp.

As of 8:30 p.m., Brooks had amassed 715 votes to Efrain Orleans' 367. However, paper ballots could be mailed until 8 p.m., and haven't all been counted. The final numbers are unlikely to be certified this week.

Ward B is the West Side of the city, away from the waterfront and including Jersey City University.

Brooks said, “Four years ago, with the support of the DSA, we ran the closest race in the city against an incumbent backed by Steve Fulop and real estate developers. We never stopped fighting since — winning a citywide Tenants’ Right to Counsel while bringing hundreds of new members into our movement for universal childcare, universal rent control, and safe, clean, green streets.

“Tonight, that movement powered me through the finish line. I couldn’t be more grateful for the trust Ward B has placed in me, and I pledge to be a Councilmember that works for all of you — not corporate interests or machine politicians.

“It takes a village to make this possible. I’m especially grateful to my partner, Marisol, and our beautiful daughter. Your love brought me to this moment, and I hope I’ll make you proud.”

Up In The Heights

Jake Ephros, a teacher and Democratic Socialist, declared victory minutes later. Ephros was running to represent the Heights, the neighborhood atop the Palisade hills to the west of Hoboken.

Ephros had 625 votes to incumbent Catherine Healy's 367 at 8:35 p.m. Healey ran on McGreevey's ticket and is the daughter of a former mayor.

“We did it!" Ephros said, in a statement. "Over a year ago, we launched an independent, people-powered, democratic socialist campaign for Ward D. We made universal childcare, universal rent control, and safe, clean, green streets the cornerstone of our movement — and now, we’re going to bring that fight to the chamber of the Jersey City Council.

“Tonight, we proved that the DSA has real staying power in Jersey City, and that our movement for a more affordable Jersey City is just beginning. We will win universal childcare, universal rent control, and safe, clean, green streets — and we will do it together.

“I am so proud to have been chosen by Ward D to represent us on the City Council. I’m reiterating the promise I made in July: Together, we’re going to make Jersey City truly ours. Whether or not you voted for me, I will be a City Councilmember that works for you — not the wealthy developers or corporate-backed politics that made Jersey City so unaffordable to begin with.”

Other Races

Want to see the updated mayoral election results and Mayor-Elect Solomon's victory speech? Click here for Jersey City Patch.

To see results in other council races, head here.

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