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Jersey City Mayoral Candidate Profiles And Q&A: Jim McGreevey

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 17:07 GMT by Patch

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Jersey City Mayoral Race: The Profile of Q. Jim McGreevey

The Jersey City mayoral race has taken an unexpected turn with the entry of a former New Jersey governor who has been a polarizing figure for decades. Q. Jim McGreevey, the only Democratic candidate listed in the city’s most recent primary, is campaigning on a platform that promises to address the city’s long‑standing issues with public transportation, affordable housing, and infrastructure while also emphasizing progressive social policies.

McGreevey’s political résumé is extensive and complicated. Born in Westfield, New Jersey, in 1959, he served in the state legislature before becoming the youngest governor of New Jersey at the time of his inauguration in 2001. He is most famously known for the 2002 scandal that forced him to resign. McGreevey publicly admitted to a sexual relationship with a male aide, a revelation that shocked the electorate and led to his resignation in May of that year. The episode, which involved an extramarital affair and a subsequent admission of same‑sex relations, was widely covered in national media and remains a defining moment in the former governor’s career.

Following his resignation, McGreevey reinvented himself as a public advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a champion of social justice. He founded the New Jersey Pride foundation and has been involved in numerous philanthropic projects aimed at supporting marginalized communities. He also pursued a run for the United States Senate in 2008, though he did not win that race.

Now in his early sixties, McGreevey has announced a bid for Jersey City mayor under the banner of the Democratic Party, although he has hinted at a non‑partisan approach that would attract voters from across the political spectrum. His campaign website, jimforjci.org, outlines a clear policy agenda that prioritizes the following key areas:

1. Transportation and Infrastructure
   - Mass Transit Expansion – McGreevey pledges to expand the Jersey City Transit system, improve reliability of the PATH line, and create new bus routes to underserved neighborhoods.
   - Water and Sewer Modernization – He plans to invest in upgrading aging water mains and sewers, which have caused frequent service disruptions and are a significant public safety concern.
   - Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety – The campaign includes plans for expanded bike lanes, safer crosswalks, and increased pedestrian infrastructure.

2. Affordable Housing and Homelessness
   - Incentives for Developers – McGreevey supports tax credits and zoning adjustments to encourage the construction of affordable units.
   - Homelessness Prevention – He proposes a city‑wide “Housing First” program that includes housing assistance, job training, and mental‑health services.

3. Economic Development
   - Job Creation – The candidate has called for public‑private partnerships to stimulate job growth in the tech, green‑energy, and tourism sectors.
   - Small‑Business Support – He emphasizes the need for streamlined permitting processes and micro‑grants for minority‑owned businesses.

4. Public Safety and Community Policing
   - Reform of Police Oversight – McGreevey proposes an independent oversight board to increase transparency and accountability within the Jersey City Police Department.
   - Community Engagement – He aims to strengthen community policing initiatives that bridge the gap between law‑enforcement agencies and local residents.

5. Education and Youth Services
   - School Funding – The campaign promises to advocate for increased state funding for public schools, especially those in low‑income neighborhoods.
   - Youth Programs – He highlights support for after‑school programs, mentorship opportunities, and expanded STEM curriculum.

McGreevey’s platform reflects his broader commitment to social equity, a theme that has characterized his public life since his resignation. He frequently cites his personal experiences to underscore the need for inclusive policies that serve all constituents, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or socioeconomic status.

In addition to his policy proposals, the article notes that McGreevey has received support from several prominent local business leaders and community activists. His candidacy has also sparked debate about how a former governor’s controversial past might influence voter perception. Opponents question whether his prior scandal undermines his suitability for leading a city as diverse and complex as Jersey City. Proponents, however, argue that his track record on LGBTQ+ advocacy and his willingness to tackle infrastructure deficits give him a distinct advantage.

The article also links to the official Jersey City election website, where voters can find registration deadlines and polling locations. It provides a brief biography of McGreevey hosted by the New Jersey State Archives, offering context on his legislative achievements and the legal implications of his resignation. Finally, readers are directed to a short interview clip on a local news station in which McGreevey outlines his vision for a “safe, vibrant, and equitable Jersey City.”

In sum, Q. Jim McGreevey’s mayoral campaign is built on a combination of seasoned political experience, a history of advocacy, and a clear, progressive policy agenda. Whether his past will serve as a hindrance or a rallying point remains to be seen, but his candidacy undoubtedly adds a distinctive voice to the upcoming election.