The Brian Lehrer Show New Jersey Politics Round-Up
Dec 1, 2025
Mike Hayes, a reporter for WNYC/Gothamist and author of The Secret Files, dives into the nuances of New Jersey politics. He discusses the fierce Jersey City mayoral runoff between James Solomon and Jim McGreevey, highlighting Solomon's ambitious rent cap proposal. Hayes also outlines governor-elect Mikie Sherrill's upcoming challenges, from fiscal crises to her aggressive stance against the Trump administration. Expect plenty of insights on balancing tax solutions and potential legal battles ahead.
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Runoff Centers On Housing Tradeoffs
- Jersey City's runoff boiled down to a sharp housing divide despite candidate overlap on many policies.
- James Solomon pushes drastic $1,000 rent caps while Jim McGreevey calls that plan a math-driven fantasy.
Surprising Agreement Beneath The Noise
- Despite their loud disagreement on the $1,000 cap, Solomon and McGreevey align on many housing and public safety items.
- Both support 20% affordable set-asides and limits on tax-abatement deals for developers.
Financing Gap Is The Campaign's Core Dispute
- Solomon offers few concrete financing details and leans on developer subsidies to cover shortfalls.
- McGreevey warns the plan could create a multibillion-dollar tax burden on Jersey City homeowners.
