Solomon Names Laura Bustamante as Chief of Staff in First Senior Appointment

Jersey City Mayor-elect James Solomon announced Laura Bustamante as his Chief of Staff, marking the first senior appointment of his incoming administration.

Bustamante previously served as Solomon’s Chief of Staff during his tenure on the City Council. She most recently held the role of Deputy State Director and Political Director for U.S. Senator Andy Kim, overseeing strategic engagement on transportation, immigration, and labor in North Jersey.

“I am thrilled to announce Laura Bustamante will return to Jersey City as my Chief of Staff,” Solomon said. “Her extensive experience and deep commitment to public service will be vital as we work to create an affordable Jersey City that serves all our residents. Laura’s innovative approach to community engagement and her dedication to transparency and inclusivity will ensure that our administration builds a City where everyone has a voice and an opportunity to succeed.”

Bustamante emphasized her intent to carry forward Solomon’s campaign vision.

“James campaigned on creating an affordable Jersey City and I am honored to help him deliver on that vision,” Bustamante said. “My experiences in strategic engagement and grassroots organizing have shown me the power of community voices, and I’m eager to ensure that they play a central role in our initiatives.”

Senator Andy Kim praised Bustamante’s leadership, calling her “a rising star and next generation leader” and expressed confidence in her role serving Jersey City.

A Jersey City native, Bustamante has built a career in public service, strategic consulting, and political organizing. Her previous roles include Vice President at Tonio Burgos & Associates and leadership positions in several successful statewide and local campaigns.

She holds graduate degrees in public administration and emergency management from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and a bachelor’s degree from New Jersey City University.