Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon, a candidate for mayor, has announced Michael Griffin as his second running mate for council-at-large.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Today, I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Jersey City at-Large council seat because we need to change our city. We need to deliver for our people, which is why I will work directly with residents, business owners, and local leaders to ensure that every voice is heard and every need is me in Jersey City,” Griffin said in a statement.
“I will continue to advocate for affordable housing, safe streets, and to support our small businesses since these are the foundations of our vibrant community. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for all of Jersey City.”
Griffin’s first foray in politics began at the age of 26 when he was elected as a Hudson County Committee Person in 2003, working alongside then-Mayor Glen Cunningham and the Jersey City Democratic Reform Party.
He unsuccessfully ran for the Ward F city council seat in 2017, which has since been won by close friend Frank “Educational” Gilmore (Griffin managed that campaign in 2021), and he also lost a bid for state Senate last year against Angela McKnight, who had the backing of the Hudson County Democratic Organization.
More recently, as the program manager for the Monticello Main Street Program, Griffin helped merge multiple local groups to create the Jackson Hill Main Special Improvement District, which became the largest special improvement district in the city.
“We need to change Jersey City and that starts with changing who we send to City Hall. I am proud to support Michael Griffin in his campaign for a Jersey City At-Large Council seat. Michael’s deep-rooted commitment to our community is evident through his extensive advocacy work,” added Solomon.
“He’s dedicated over 20 years to empowering residents and creating meaningful change, from leading initiatives for affordable housing to fostering vital police-community partnerships. As a lifelong Jersey City resident, Michael understands the challenges we face and has a proven track record of addressing them head-on. His leadership in developing the Jackson Hill Main Special Improvement District and advocating for important ordinances like the No Knock Ordinance showcase his ability to unite people and effect positive change.”
Last week, the downtown councilman revealed JC JC Families Inc. Executive Director Mamta Singh, who was competitive in the 4th District race for Hudson County commissioner last year, as his first council-at-large candidate.
Both Solomon and Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2) have now unveiled two council-at-large candidates. Councilman-at-Large Daniel Rivera is seeking re-election with O’Dea, with lifelong educator Kristen Zadroga Hart running alongside him.
Kenny Reyes, who unsuccessfully ran for a board of education seat under the “Change for Children” banner in 2022, and Dave Carment, the associate director at New City Kids and a pastor at Liberty Church JC, are running with Council President Joyce Watterman.
While former Gov. Jim McGreevey has announced five running mates, he has not unveiled any at-large yet, while ex-Board of Education President Mussab Ali has not revealed any running mates to date.
There’s still plenty of time on the game clock, as the non-partisan Jersey City municipal elections aren’t until November 4th, 2025.
