Jersey City Mayoral Candidate Profiles And Q&A: Christina Freeman

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Seven candidates are facing off to become Jersey City's next mayor, replacing outgoing Mayor Steve Fulop.

The candidates range from current council members to a police officer to a former governor of New Jersey.

Patch is posting profiles and Q&A of the candidates who responded to our questions by the deadline. All candidates had the chance to respond. Belowis one of our profiles. To read all of them, and our previous coverage, go here.

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Below are the questions and answers from candidates who sent them in by the deadline. The election will be held on Nov. 4.

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Candidate Profile

Biographical Questions

Name: Christina Freeman
Age: 37
Length of time you've lived in the city: Lifelong resident of Jersey City, born and raised in the Greenville section.
Public service:
Police Officer with six years of service in law enforcement; founder of Primary Sensory Play, a community-based children’s initiative supporting neurodiverse youth; and active volunteer for neighborhood clean-ups, youth mentorship programs, and local civic engagement forums.
Family:
Proud mother of one son, Maison, who inspires much of my community and advocacy work.
Do you have immediate family members working for local government?
No.
Do you have a full-time job? If so, what is it? If not, how do you earn a living?
Yes. I currently serve as a police officer in Jersey City and also operate a small business focused on inclusive children’s play and education.
How many properties do you own, and where are they?
One property, located in Jersey City, NJ.
Educational background:
Graduate of Saint Anthony’s High School.
Actively enrolled for a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at New Jersey City University; member of the Honors Program and the Dean’s List. Anticipated graduation date: May 2026.
Graduate of the Stamler Police Academy (2019) with full PTC licensing.
Other experience:
Entrepreneur, community organizer, public safety advocate, and speaker on inclusion and youth empowerment. Founder of Primary Sensory Publishing and author of several children’s books promoting awareness and empathy.
If you are supporting a ticket of council candidates, please state their names:
Currently running an independent mayoral campaign focused on community-powered leadership.
Website where voters can find more information:
www.Freeman2025.vote

Longer Questions

1. Since all of the candidates have experience with local or state government, the voters may not know the differences. Please tell us what makes you more qualified for the job than all of your opponents.
What makes me more qualified is that I’ve lived, worked, and served Jersey City from the ground up. I’m not a career politician — I’m a public servant, mother, and community builder who understands our neighborhoods firsthand. As a police officer, I’ve seen the challenges families face daily, from housing insecurity to mental health crises. As an entrepreneur and founder of Primary Sensory Play, I’ve built programs that include children on and off the spectrum, proving that inclusion and innovation can go hand in hand. My leadership is rooted in action, empathy, and accountability — not politics. I believe in working with the community, not above it.
2. What is the biggest problem in Jersey City, and how will you address it?
The biggest problem is affordability and access — too many residents feel priced out and left behind. I plan to create transitional housing programs, expand rent stabilization, and increase affordable homeownership through the Freeman Legacy Housing initiative. I also want to implement a tolling system for non-resident vehicles passing through Jersey City to generate local revenue without burdening residents. Every dollar should work toward keeping Jersey City livable, walkable, and inclusive.
3. For whom did you vote in the 2024 presidential election? How do you see national politics affecting Jersey City in the next few years, and how will you respond?
I voted for Kamala Harris, of course. National politics influence Jersey City through funding, immigration, and housing policies. I plan to strengthen local partnerships with state and federal agencies to secure grants and investments that improve housing, infrastructure, and mental health access. My administration will stay proactive — not reactive — by prioritizing community needs over partisan politics.
4. Do you believe the city has done a good job addressing crime? Which changes, if any, would you make?
The city has made progress, but there’s still work to do. As a police officer, I believe true public safety starts with trust and prevention, not just policing. I plan to introduce Neighborhood Safety Councils and create a Community Volunteer Program that allows officers five days a year to serve in schools or neighborhoods out of uniform. This builds relationships, not fear. I’d also establish an Elopement Alert System for children on the autism spectrum — ensuring safety through compassion.
5. Do you believe the city is doing enough to protect renters from high increases and/or evictions? If not, what else should the city do?
No. Renters need stronger protection, more transparency, and accessible legal support. I would expand the Rent Leveling Board resources, implement renter education workshops, and require developers receiving tax abatements to reserve a greater percentage of affordable units. Jersey City must protect working families, seniors, and single parents from displacement by enforcing fair housing standards.
Slumlords also need to be held accountable. I’ve proposed a Three-Strike Housing Accountability System that tracks landlords with repeated code violations, tenant complaints, or neglect of unsafe living conditions. After three confirmed violations, the landlord would face escalating penalties — including fines, loss of rental licenses, and public disclosure on a citywide “Accountability Registry.” This would ensure tenants know who they’re renting from and that negligent property owners can no longer hide behind LLCs or loopholes.

6. Social media is ever changing, and reports said that X, for example, lost at least 3 million users last year. Where do you think the city should post messages to the public first? How else should the city communicate?
The city should lead with Instagram, Facebook, and local community apps like NextDoor. But communication should go beyond screens — through text alerts, digital billboards, school partnerships, and “City Hall in Your Neighborhood” pop-ups. Many residents, especially seniors, prefer face-to-face updates. Communication must meet people where they are — online, at work, or in their community spaces.
7. What is a creative idea to improve life in Jersey City for its residents that no one else has thought of?
City Perks — a civic engagement rewards program where residents earn points for volunteering, attending town halls, or supporting local businesses. Points could be used for utility credits, event tickets, or small business discounts. It’s a simple way to build pride, connection, and shared ownership of our city.
8. Have you taken developer contributions to your campaign? Do you think it's a problem for a candidate to take them?
No, I have not. As a matter of fact, I only accept donations from everyday people. I believe candidates should avoid taking large developer donations because they compromise public trust. Leadership means being accountable to the people, not special interests. My campaign is powered by residents and small donors who want to see real change in Jersey City — not the same cycle of favors and influence.
9. Which toppings do you normally get on your pizza, and what are some things that should never go on a pizza?
Pineapples do go on pizza — especially with sausage! Sorry, not sorry. I love a good balance of sweet and savory. Ranch!! Ranch should never go on pizza; it’s not even a real flavor. lol.

More Information

To see New Jersey voter information, look here.

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