“I Can Beat the Machine”: Solomon Talks Health, Housing, and 2025 Election

Ward E Councilman and Jersey City mayoral candidate James Solomon spoke with HudPost about his personal background, entry into politics, and key campaign priorities ahead of the November 4 election.

Solomon said he was drawn to public service after surviving a lymphoma diagnosis shortly after his wedding in 2015. “When I got better, it was just clear for me… I want two things. It’s family and I want public service.” He credited the support of Jersey City residents during his treatment as motivation to give back.

He first won office in 2017, pledging to stay independent from developers and political machines. “I can beat the machine,” he said, noting he won reelection in 2021 with 70 percent of the vote.

Solomon’s campaign centers on housing affordability. He defined affordable rent as $1,000 to $1,500 per month and supports requiring developers to make 20 percent of new units affordable. He also backed a cap on rent increases and the creation of a stronger landlord–tenant office. “You only create an affordable Jersey City with change,” he said.

Responding to criticism that he only focuses on downtown, Solomon pointed to legislation he sponsored affecting the entire city, including bans on AI rent-setting and tenant right to counsel funded by luxury development fees.

He acknowledged former Governor Jim McGreevey’s early polling lead but expressed confidence: “We’re going to surprise a lot of people on November 4.” He expects a likely runoff on December 2.

Solomon also emphasized the importance of local journalism and called for more oversight in Hudson County. “We need local media to thrive… it saves our taxpayers money.”

He closed by identifying as a “proud girl dad” to three daughters and reiterated his focus on affordability, equity, and independent leadership.