Jim McGreevey, a former New Jersey governor who made headlines two decades ago when he publicly announced, "I am a gay American," is once again in the political spotlight.
This time, he is vying for the mayoral seat in Jersey City, New Jersey's second-largest city. McGreevey, a Democrat, is one of seven contenders in the nonpartisan race to succeed Steven Fulop, the current mayor who is not seeking a fourth term.
According to The Associated Press, McGreevey has expressed his concern over the city's current state, citing escalating housing costs due to the construction of expensive downtown high-rises, the struggle of young people to secure employment, and what he perceives as underperforming schools.
He stated, This is not a cathartic exercise. Ive done that long ago. That was done 20-plus years ago. This is to make Jersey City better. To improve services. To balance the budget. To be responsive to familial needs.
Among McGreevey's rivals are two city council members, a Hudson County commissioner, a city police officer, and the former president of the citys board of education. If no candidate secures more than 50% of the votes, a runoff election will be held on December 2.
McGreevey's political career has been marked by controversy. In a televised speech on August 12, 2004, he revealed that he was resigning as governor due to an extramarital affair with another man, making him the country's first openly gay governor. However, the circumstances surrounding his resignation were more complex. The man he had an affair with was Golan Cipel, a former Israeli naval officer whom McGreevey had appointed as the states homeland security adviser in 2002.
Cipel, who was not qualified for the position, quit a few months into his tenure and threatened to sue McGreevey for sexual harassment, which expedited the governor's resignation. Cipel has denied that any affair occurred, claiming he was the victim of McGreeveys repeated sexual advances.
Some of McGreevey's opponents in the mayoral race have argued that his conduct as governor should disqualify him with voters. City council member James Solomon claimed that McGreeveys run is an extension of corruption that he alleged was prevalent during his tenure as governor. Former school board president Mussab Ali stated at a recent debate: I have never had the experience of having to resign in disgrace.
However, McGreevey remains unfazed by these criticisms. He said, My opponents may care about what happened 20 years ago. Folks in Jersey City are worried about their rent today, worried about the childrens individual education plan today. Theyre concerned about the fact that the street is dirty or that theres a sewer break on Montgomery (Street)."
Jersey City holds a special place in McGreevey's heart. It is where his grandfather moved after leaving Northern Ireland, and where his father took him for meals at the VIP Diner. Now, at 68, McGreevey, who runs a prison reentry nonprofit, hopes to conclude his political career by managing a city of nearly 303,000 residents with a municipal budget of about $700 million. He said, This would be a great closing act. And candidly, to get the city in the right place, itll require some time.
After leaving politics, McGreevey sought solace in religion. He got divorced, attended an Episcopal seminary, earned a Master of Divinity degree, volunteered at a Harlem ministry, and took steps to become a priest before pivoting to nonprofit work. As executive director of the Jersey City-based New Jersey Reentry Corporation, he has witnessed the challenges that formerly incarcerated people and veterans face in securing housing and employment.
McGreevey launched his campaign on Halloween in 2023 and soon after released a video acknowledging his past, titled Second chances are central to who I am. His campaign has drawn comparisons to former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is also seeking a second chance in politics by running for mayor of neighboring New York City after resigning amid sexual harassment allegations.
McGreevey believes his time away from public life has given him a fresh perspective on the increasingly polarized political landscape. He said, When I was a young Assemblyman, we would campaign hard on the Democratic ticket, but then, after I was elected, you would work with Democrats and Republicans on committees, on legislation. My sense is today, whether its the city or the state or the nation, almost everything is viewed through a political lens as opposed to a governmental lens.
Reflecting on his personal growth, McGreevey said, I enjoy people more. I enjoy politics a lot less." Whether the residents of Jersey City share his sentiments and are willing to give him a second chance will be determined in the coming weeks.
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