Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2) is supporting Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon for mayor, marking the third key formal endorsement in as many days.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I’m proud to endorse James Solomon for Jersey City mayor in the run-off election. James understands that affordability must be our top priority, while also restoring ethical government and taking on corruption,” O’Dea said in a statement.
“As a life-long Jersey City resident, I know we need change, and James is the one people can trust to deliver that. He’s committed to transparency, accountability, and putting residents before special interests. James will put Jersey City first, which is why I am endorsing him in the runoff.”
The veteran commissioner and former Ward B councilman finished third to former Gov. Jim McGreevey on Election Day by 4,290 votes, according to preliminary tallies from the Hudson County Clerk’s Office.
Post-Labor Day, O’Dea made it a point to bludgeon McGreevey over the various scandals throughout his political and governmental career, so it’s no surprise that he quickly came around to throwing his support behind Solomon.
“No one cares more deeply about Jersey City than Bill O’Dea, and I am honored to have his endorsement. Bill focused his campaign on affordability and together we’re going to create a city with lower rents so that working families can not just get by but thrive,” he added.
“This election is all about change and the contrast between campaigns could not be clearer: I will lower rents, Jim McGreevey will raise them.”
On Saturday, U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) came out for Solomon, followed by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka on Sunday.
Additionally, another former opponent, Mussab Ali, who finished fourth on Tuesday, was a part of Solomon’s runoff campaign launch on Saturday.
The non-partisan runoff election to determine the next Jersey City mayor, as well as the three city council-at-large members and the Ward representatives in A, B, C, and D, is on December 2nd.
