Just like Andrew Cuomo, Jim McGreevey discovers in Jersey City mayoral race that his harassment scandal is something he can’t escape

Progressive Jersey City Councilman James Solomon beat former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey in the Jersey City mayoral election runoff, as per The Hill. Solomon’s victory marks a striking political defeat for McGreevey, who had attempted a high-profile return to politics after resigning from office over two decades ago. This whole situation is eerily similar to the nearby New York City mayoral election, where Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani defeated former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Just like Cuomo, who resigned amid sexual harassment allegations, it seems McGreevey ultimately couldn’t outrun the scandal that forced him out of his top executive job. McGreevey resigned back in 2004 after revealing he was gay and had an extramarital affair with a man who was then his homeland security adviser, Golan Cipel.

Around the time of the resignation, Cipel accused McGreevey of sexual harassment. McGreevey’s defense strongly denied any wrongdoing, stating that the relationship was consensual. Bill Lawler, McGreevey’s lawyer, was adamant, calling Cipel’s accusations “absolutely false and without merit.” It’s also worth noting that both sides accused the other of trying to settle the matter financially before McGreevey made his public announcement.

McGreevey centered his campaign on the theme of being given a second chance, which was a pretty bold move

McGreevey acknowledged the scandal that ousted him from office head-on, noting that he had spent the years since working in prison ministry. That’s a tough message to sell, but he certainly tried to frame the past as a learning experience.

In his 2023 launch ad, which features him watching his own resignation speech, he stated, “I’m imperfect, and I’ll always be imperfect. It was important to take accountability, to do the next right thing. It was painful.” He even suggested the experience made him a better person, adding, “But I would not have traded anything that I’ve experienced. It’s made me a better person, more compassionate.”

That message of compassion and growth wasn’t enough to stop his rivals from attacking him relentlessly over the past scandal. Opponents also criticized McGreevey over his campaign contributions, specifically highlighting money he received from New Jersey developer and U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Kushner.

Solomon defeated McGreevey in the runoff to succeed current Mayor Steve Fulop, who instead opted to run for governor but lost the Democratic primary to New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill. The initial November mayoral race was crowded, including five other candidates. Solomon finished first and McGreevey second, which forced the pair into the runoff since neither man secured at least 50 percent of the vote.

While both Solomon and McGreevey made affordability a key component of their respective campaigns, they represented different factions of the Democratic Party. Solomon enjoyed significant endorsements from the progressive wing, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. McGreevey, on the other hand, had the support of more established figures and unions, enjoying the backing of New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, and two Jersey City police unions.