Never Again, Says Former NJ Gov. McGreevey About Running For Office

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Now that former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey lost the Jersey City mayor's race to Councilman James Solomon, he shared his plans for the future late Wednesday.

"I congratulate Mayor-Elect Solomon and wish him well as he takes on this responsibility," he said. "I’m deeply grateful to everyone who opened their doors, shared their stories, and spoke honestly about the challenges facing their families and neighborhoods."

He said he'll return to his full-time job, as executive director of a non-profit that connects former convicts with job training and employment.

"My full focus now returns to the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, where every day we help men and women fight for a Second Chance at stability, work, and dignity," he said. "That work is where I will continue to serve our city and state in a real, hands-on way."

When asked by Patch if he might run for another office, McGreevey was clear.

"I will not be running for another office in this lifetime," he responded, adding a smiley face.

Expensive Election

McGreevey, who has lived in Jersey City for 10 years, spent a reported $5 million to beat Solomon, and garnered less than a third of the vote.

The campaign was his first since resigning in 2004 amid a scandal over hiring an alleged lover to a government post. READ MORE: 20 Years After Famous Speech, Will Ex-NJ Gov. McGreevey Get 'Re-Entry' To Elected Office?

Despite trailing Solomon 10,904 to 23,168 on Tuesday, McGreevey achieved strong support in pockets of the city.

Solomon had tied him to Trump donors, while McGreevey said Solomon is too tied to the "Downtown Crowd."

Seven candidates ran for mayor last month, but none drew more than 50 percent of the votes cast, prompting the runoff between the top two vote-getters.

Solomon, who represents downtown Ward E, will likely be inaugurated in mid-January. He replaces outgoing three-term mayor Steve Fulop.

Jersey City is the second largest city in the state.

Solomon Transition Team

Solomon named his transition team on Thursday.

Hudson County commissioner and former candidate Bill O'Dea, Trinity Church COO Jim Johnson, and labor activist Hetty Rosenstein will be co-chairs.

The executive director will be Keshav Poddar, and the political director will be Stuart Thomas, who was Solomon's campaign manager. The transition attorney will be Scott D. Salmon.

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