Jersey City, NJ — Progressive, anti-machine candidates backed by Food & Water Action had major wins in Tuesday’s runoff election with James Solomon winning the mayors race, and Denise Ridley (Ward A), Joel Brooks (Ward B), Jake Ephrose (Ward D), and at-large candidates Mamta Singh, Michael Griffin and Rolando Lavarro winning their council races.

In the most closely watched municipal race in New Jersey, James overwhelmingly defeated former Governor Jim McGreevey. These progressive candidate’s victories mark a major milestone for grassroots power and climate leadership in Jersey City— and a sharp rebuke of the entrenched political establishment and wealthy development interests.

Food & Water Action ran a significant field campaign in the weeks leading up to the runoff and led a team that knocked 12,000 doors, held more than 1,100 voter conversations, and identified over 800 voters, part of a major field effort to help turn out voters across the city.

In response to these wins, Food & Water Action’s New Jersey State Director Matt Smith issued the following statement:

“James Solomon’s victory shows that Jersey City residents are ready for bold, independent leaders, committed to work for everyday people and fight for affordability, clean energy, and healthy schools. As a councilman, James has fought the 11 billion dollar Turnpike expansion that would bring more pollution to Jersey City Streets, and will continue that fight as Mayor. He is also committed to environmental justice and will take bold action to cut air pollution from buildings and invest in clean energy and energy efficient schools to make Jersey City a model for what climate action can look like across New Jersey.”

Food & Water Action endorsed candidates Eleana Little (Ward E) and Frank Gilmore (Ward F) won their races in the November 4th general election.