Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon, a candidate for mayor, is rolling our Lorena Loayza, a former executive director of the McGinley Square Special Improvement District, as his running mate in Ward B.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I know where Jersey City has been, and I am ready to lead the West Side forward and deliver change for our community,” Loayza said in a statement.
“Together, we can build a future that prioritizes the well-being of our families and the prosperity of our community by building affordable housing, establishing stable property taxes, and ensuring everyone has a shot at getting ahead.”
Born in Bolivia, Loayza immigrated to the Ward B community at the age of three, shaping her life and career around the vibrant and diverse environment of Jersey City.
She attended the Academy of St. Aloysius and graduated from Saint Peter’s University, where she also worked in the financial aid office, and is now raising her family on Jersey City’s West Side.
“Lorena Loayza on our slate is tremendous for our campaign to change Jersey City. Her lifelong dedication to our community, combined with her hands-on experience as a successful entrepreneur and advocate, make her an exceptional candidate for Ward B,” added Solomon.
“Lorena understands the unique challenges our residents face and is committed to pursuing innovative solutions to improve public safety, stabilize property taxes, and support local businesses. I am confident that her leadership will help move Jersey City forward.”
Loayza is Solomon’s fourth declared running mate, with Mamta Singh and Michael Griffin seeking council-at-large seats, as well as Eleana Little seeking to succeed the downtown councilman in Ward E, all as HCV first reported.
In Ward B, incumbent Mira Prinz-Arey has indicated she will be on the November 4th, 2025 ballot, but has not made any formal declaration of her plans yet.
Additionally, Erfrain Badilla Orleans Jr., the building manager and events coordinator of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, is running for the West Side council seat on former Gov. Jim McGreevey’s ticket.
Democratic Socialists of America member Joel Brooks, who gave Prinz-Arey a tough fight in 2021, is giving it another shot as an independent, though he and Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2) – a Ward B mainstay – are expected to trade endorsements.
Next year’s Jersey City municipal elections are non-partisan.
