The two original Jersey City Pride founders, along with other LGBTQ leaders, are supporting Ward E Councilman James Solomon for mayor in the non-partisan, seven-person contest set for November 4th.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“As the founders of JC Pride 25 years ago, we know firsthand what it looks like to fight for what’s right — even when it’s not popular. Today, the fight for LGBTQ+ rights has never been more urgent,” Paul Mendoza and Miguel Cardenas in a statement.
“With a far-right demagogue in the White House stripping away rights from our queer siblings, we need a Mayor who will stand with us not just in August, and not just when it’s popular to do so. We need a Mayor who’s unbought and unafraid to stand up to the corruption, affordability crisis, and bigotry that brought us to where we are today. There’s only one option in this race: James Solomon.”
The others signing onto the endorsement are Beth Achenbach, Harmonica Sunbeam, Tony Settle, Neil Abadie, Lillian Bustle, and Patrick Koslecki.
Their support for the downtown councilman is notable considering there is only one openly LGBTQ candidate in the mayoral race: Former Gov. Jim McGreevey, who resigned in August 2004 with his infamous “I am a gay American speech.”
“As a leader in the Jersey City LGBTQ+ community for 24 years, I am proud to endorse James Solomon for Mayor. James represents the best of Jersey City — where neighbors know one another, and their elected officials listen to what the community has to say,” added Achenbach, a local artist.
“James has always stood strong with the LGBTQ+ community and the city’s vibrant artistic community, issues I care about deeply — and his values and commitment to fighting for every resident make him my choice for Mayor.”
Solomon was of course happy to accept their support as the race is set to hit a boiling point after Labor Day.
“I’m immensely honored to receive the support of the LGBTQ+ community across Jersey City, including the original founders of Jersey City Pride. These community leaders understand that it’s not enough to celebrate queer people in our city if those very same people can’t afford their rent,” he said in a statement.
“I’m running for Mayor to fight for everyone, and that includes our LGBTQ+ community. And I don’t take money from developers or Trump donors, which means I’ll be a Mayor for you – not them.”
The other mayoral candidates are Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), former Board of Education President Mussab Ali, Council President Joyce Watterman, Police Officer Christina Freeman, and newcomer Kalki Jayne-Rose.
To all the residents of Jersey City new residence and old residents I was born and raised in Jersey City and I still live here Over 60 years I know there’s a lot of candidates for mayor and there’s a lot of opinions out there but my choice FOR MY BEAUTIFUL CITY OF JERSEY CITY FOR MAYOR IS BILL ODEA if you haven’t had the opportunity to meet this man he’s been fighting for us for over 30 years FOR SAFER👮♀️👮♂️ STREETS and especially affordable housing that all the rest of the candidates promise and Lack SO COME NOVEMBER🇺🇲🇺🇲 MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR OUR CITY OF JERSEY CITY VOTE🇺🇲🇺🇲 FOR BILL ODEA AND YOULL SEE RESULTS NOT BROKEN PROMISES
Please, it just makes you look like a lunatic.
Omitted from last paragraph: McGreevy also running
“With a far-right demagogue in the White House stripping away rights from our queer siblings”…..I don’t think banning trans men from engaging in women’s sports and fracturing their skulls is stripping rights away.
With all the psycho gays doing so much killing nowadays, you would think a smart politician would keep such an endorsement on the DL. Robin Westman, Zizians, Audrey Hale, there is definitely a trend developing.
Your headline: “There is a Gay Guy Running for Mayor in Jersey City” might as well also claimed there is a NGuy, or
P Guy or MGuy…you get the picture!
How dare you! This type of reporting will certainly cause me to unsubscribe from your newsletter. A straight white woman!