Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, whose term will expire at the end of the year, weighed in on the mayoral race, noting that Mussab Ali, Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), and Jim McGreevey look good for different reasons in the home stretch.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Curious your thoughts but here are some some broad observations on the Jersey City mayor’s race I’m sharing and take it as a perspective from someone who’s run three times for mayor (and won) and knows the terrain,” he wrote on Instagram.
He reiterated that he hasn’t endorsed anyone yet in the non-partisan November 4th race, but gave his perspective on the five most notable candidates in the seven-person field.
Speaking on Ali, a former board of education president, the incumbent said “he’s clearly gaining traction, likely drawing support from Solomon’s base,” continuing that young and progressive voters see him as a fresh voice. He also commended his policy chops.
As for O’Dea, Fulop’s closest political ally in the race, the mayor said his campaign is clearly on an upward trajectory as of late.
“There’s been talk of a ‘surge.’ When he’s definitely moved the needle, especially on housing and other substantive policy issues. His long-standing relationships with core voter blocs are helping when it matters most and you hear more voters curious about him,” his post says.
Taking a look at McGreevey’s campaign, Fulop stated that the former governor’s ground game is proving to be formidable (The mayor tweeted in late July that McGreevey was the leading candidate in the race).
“Widely viewed as having the strongest ground operation. It appears more paid than volunteer-driven, but it’s well-organized and visible,” he said.
Fulop also noted that Council President Joyce Watterman, who successfully ran on his ticket three times, has a way to make the December 2nd runoff, but seemed to also acknowledge it was unlikely.
“Her path depends on a strong turnout among African American voters. Fundraising constraints have limited her reach, but with more resources, she’d likely be in a stronger position to make the runoff,” he stated.
Finally, Ward E Councilman James Solomon, who has had a contentious relationship with Fulop in recent months, expectedly did not receive a rave review.
“His campaign appears to have plateaued. The overly negative tone of the messaging and narrow focus have limited his appeal beyond his downtown base,” the mayor claimed.
“Outreach and name recognition outside Ward E continue to be challenges for him. This is reinforced by recent negative ads and tone he is placing which voters generally don’t like.”
Fulop did not comment on who he thought was going to win and/or who is going to the runoff.
