At 28, Mussab Ali Aims to Redefine Jersey City Politics

Mussab Ali, former Jersey City Board of Education trustee and now mayoral candidate, spoke with HudPost about his rapid rise in public life, progressive platform, and the role of youth in shaping Jersey City’s future.

Ali first made headlines in 2017 as the youngest elected official in Jersey City history and the youngest Muslim elected official in the country. He later survived stage 4 cancer while attending Harvard Law School and now, at age 28, is running to become the city’s youngest mayor.

“I don’t think our generation has time to wait,” Ali said. “We need someone who has real plans, real details, who is ready to take over the city.”

Central to his campaign is a comprehensive housing proposal that includes legalizing more multifamily housing and requiring new developments to include deed-restricted affordable units. “We’re going to transform the way Jersey City looks almost overnight,” he said, advocating for higher residential density to lower rents and support local businesses.

Ali differentiated himself from opponents by pointing to his refusal to accept donations from developers, city contractors, or MAGA-affiliated donors. “That is a corruption tax that you need to run away from,” he said. “I have built a reputation in these rooms… as someone who’s a straight shooter, with integrity, who’s willing to speak up for what’s right.”

He predicted the race will result in a runoff and believes his campaign is gaining ground quickly. “We were at 7 percent two months ago, and now we’re in second. This is just the polls catching up to what we’re seeing on the ground.”

Ali also addressed skepticism about his age and experience. He cited a six-month stretch in 2021 when he helped reopen schools, closed a $70 million budget gap, and underwent chemotherapy—all while attending Harvard. “I don’t look like what I’ve been through, but we’ve been through some things.”

He closed with a message to young residents: “You don’t have to wait until you’re gray and old to make a difference. You can make a difference right now.”