Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is backing Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon for mayor, calling him “the progressive choice” that “Jersey City needs.”
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“James Solomon is the progressive choice and I am proud to endorse him ahead of the runoff,” Baraka said in a statement.
“James is focused on the issues that matter like affordable housing and ensuring Jersey City is a place where working people can thrive. The choice is clear, on December 2nd, vote for James Solomon to be the change Jersey City needs.”
In July, Baraka attended a Jersey City fundraiser for the re-election of Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore and Solomon for mayor, indicating that he was “close” on endorsing the downtown councilman but wasn’t quite there yet, as HCV first reported.
After giving an enthusiastic endorsement of Gilmore, who won on Tuesday with Solomon’s support, last month, Baraka is jumping into the December 2nd runoff election that pits Solomon against former Gov. Jim McGreevey, who has the backing of the HCDO.
“Mayor Ras Baraka is an icon, a leader, and someone who has put himself on the line defending his city and people from Donald Trump. It is an honor to receive his endorsement. We need more leaders like Ras Baraka,” Solomon added.
“This campaign is about change, and that’s why I am fighting for rents under $1,000, stabilized property taxes and working for a city that everyone can afford. We have the momentum in this race, and with Mayor Baraka’s support, now we’ve got even more.”
Solomon isn’t wasting any time in breaking out the heavy artillery, rolling out the support of U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) yesterday, as well as touting the support of former opponents Mussab Ali and Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2) on social media.
