Councilman James Solomon tonight beat former Governor James McGreevey in the runoff election for mayor of Jersey City.

Trying to present himself as mayor for the future, Solomon ultimately successfully depicted McGreevey as the past.

He won big, along with at-large council candidates Rolando Lavarro, Michael Griffin, and Mamta Singh. Denise Ridley in Ward A, Joel Brooks in Ward B, Tom Zupa in Ward C, and Jake Ephros in Ward D were all on pace to win.

In a blowout election result, with 96 districts reporting, Solomon had 22,291 votes (68%) to 10,548 (32%) for McGreveey.

McGreevey tried to parlay government expertise and his work on the ground in the city where he was born into a potent political combination. It got him through the November race to the runoff, but finally he could not withstand Solomon's appeal to a new generation of voters.

INSIDERNJ COLUMNIST FRED SNOWFLACK IS AT MCGREEVEY HQ WITH TONIGHT'S LOSING CANDIDATE.

The victor's FULL statement here:

“Tonight is a win for Jersey City against the corrupt political machine.

"Together, we’re going to build a more affordable Jersey City, where everyone has a chance to thrive and where the people are put first, not developers and special interests. My promise to Jersey City is simple: I will be a mayor for you.

"Throughout this campaign, I had the privilege of knocking on doors across our city, each door a portal to new stories, hopes, and challenges. From the Hill to the Heights, I've met countless people and families who embody the heart of Jersey City. Your stories of perseverance in the face of rising rents, your visions for a community where no one is pushed out or left behind, and your unyielding commitment to justice and equity have inspired me deeply.

"This victory is about more than policies and programs; it’s about people. It’s about ensuring that our city is a place where everyone can thrive, where every child has a chance to succeed, and where we all feel the sense of belonging that Jersey City is known for.

"Our campaign was built on the belief that every resident deserves access to housing you can afford, excellent public schools, and safe neighborhoods. It was fueled by conversations with families struggling to make ends meet, with seniors who feared being priced out of the communities they’ve called home for decades, and with young people who aspire to stay in Jersey City and build their lives here. These stories are the heartbeat of our campaign and the guiding light of my work moving forward.

"Together, we will tackle the challenges that lie ahead, from increasing affordable housing to enhancing public services and getting shit done. We will build a Jersey City that is inclusive and fair, a city that reflects the diverse and vibrant communities that call it home.

I promise to represent you with integrity and passion, to listen to your concerns, and to act in the best interests of every single resident.

"This is just the beginning, and together, we will create a Jersey City as good as its people.”

First elected to the city council in 2017, Solomon focused his campaign message on improving the city’s schools, implementing new rent controls, and overseeing the development of more affordable housing.

Communications Workers of America District 1 (CWA D1) congratulated Mayor-elect James Solomon on his victory—what they described as "a win for every working family in Jersey City."

"This election marks a decisive rejection of the pay-to-play politics and corruption that have plagued Jersey City for too long. Mayor-elect Solomon has built a proven, independent record of standing up to predatory landlords, political insiders, and powerful special interests. He has been a consistent fighter for tenants facing illegal evictions and a fearless foe to the entrenched underworld of city corruption."

CWA District 1 was proud to stand with James Solomon early, recognizing his unwavering commitment to economic justice and integrity in government.

“James Solomon’s vision is for a Jersey City that works for everyone. His integrity, his grassroots campaign, and his proven record of fighting for working people stand in stark contrast to the establishment politics of his opponent,” said Dennis Trainor, CWA District 1 Vice President.

“CWA District 1 was all-in for James Solomon. This victory proves that when our members and all working people stand together, we can elect a mayor who truly works for us,” said Anna-Marta Visky, CWA Political & Field Director for New Jersey.

This victory is a mandate for a more affordable, equitable, and accountable city. We look forward to partnering with Mayor-elect Solomon to make that vision a reality for every Jersey City resident.

New Jersey Working Families State Director Antoinette Miles issued the following statement hailing the historic election of James Solomon to serve as Jersey City’s next Mayor, as well as the election of a strong slate of progressive City Council candidates that the organization endorsed:

Today’s election represents a new era of leadership in Jersey City. Together we showed that the people are more powerful than the billionaires and corrupt politicians of the past like Jim McGreevey.

James ran a campaign built on a relentless focus on affordability and rebuilding public trust. Voters are ready for change.

Election Day is not the finish line, it's the starting line. The NJ Working Families Party is ready to get to work with James Solomon to deliver on the promises of a more affordable Jersey City. The Working Families wave in Hudson County is just beginning.

For more on the Jersey City runoff election, please go HERE.