Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has endorsed James Solomon for Jersey City mayor in the December 2 runoff against former Gov. James E. McGreevey.
Baraka finished a strong second in Jersey City during the June Democratic gubernatorial primary. He finished 577 votes behind Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, 36%-34%, in a six-candidate field.
“James Solomon is the progressive choice, and I am proud to endorse him ahead of the runoff,” said Baraka. “James is focused on the issues that matter, like affordable housing and ensuring Jersey City is a place where working people can thrive.”
While Baraka didn’t formally endorse in the first round of voting to succeed Fulop, he appeared at a July 29 event for Solomon and Baraka ally Frank “Educational” Gilmore. Gilmore won re-election to a second term in his Ward F seat on the Solomon ticket.
Solomon called Baraka “an icon, a leader, and someone who has put himself on the line defending his city and people from Donald Trump.”
“We need more leaders like Ras Baraka,” Solomon said. “This campaign is about change, and that’s why I am fighting for rents under $1,000, stabilized property taxes, and working for a city that everyone can afford.”
On Saturday, U.S. Senator Andy Kim endorsed Solomon.
