Former Jersey City Board of Education President Mussab Ali filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission on Friday to run for mayor on November 4th, 2025.
Today, I’m announcing I’m running for Mayor of Jersey City. From the heart of Jersey City to the steps of Harvard Law, and back again, I’ve lived a journey of resilience, service, and unwavering commitment. Today, I’m stepping up to champion a #JerseyCityForAll. Let’s build a… pic.twitter.com/5lp8CcZwSl
— Mussab Ali (@MussabAliJC) April 9, 2024
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Ali, 27, a Harvard graduate who became the youngest Jersey City BOE president at 23 years old in 2021, filed his D-1 form signaling his intent to run on Friday morning, listing Samad Khan as his treasurer.
He is the fourth candidate to enter the race, with former Gov. Jim McGreevey, Council President Joyce Watterman, and Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2) – a political mentor to Ali – who all announced in November.
The McNair Academic High School graduate declined to comment, stating that a formal launch would be coming later this week. On Tuesday afternoon, he released a statement on his candidacy.
“Deciding to challenge the status quo and run for Mayor was no easy choice. But seeing our city—the most diverse in America—struggle with issues like affordability and gentrification, and grappling with the shadows of machine politics, I knew I couldn’t stay on the sidelines,” he said.
“Jersey City raised and educated me. When I became the youngest elected official in our city’s history, it was because you trusted me. Now, I’m ready to champion a Jersey City that works for all of us.”
Ali has co-founded the Ali Leadership Institute and has pushed to lower the New Jersey voting age for school board races from 18 to 16, as well as being a cancer survivor.
For the moment, he appears likely to be the only candidate under 30 years old to enter the mayoral contest and would be the first Muslim mayor if elected.
Other potential candidates that could jump into the race for an open seat with Mayor Steven Fulop opting to run for governor next year instead of seeking a fourth term include Hudson County Commissioner Jerry Walker (D-3) and Ward E Councilman James Solomon.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with new information on Wednesday.