In a surprising move nearly two decades after stepping down from the position of New Jersey Governor, Jim McGreevey, who publicly acknowledged his homosexuality and admitted to an affair during his tenure, declared his candidacy for the mayoral race in Jersey City set for 2025.
During the campaign kick-off event on Thursday, McGreevey, a 66-year-old Democrat, addressed his past openly. He stated, “This election isn’t about yesterday or my yesterday. This election is about our tomorrow and our future. And clearly, I’ve made mistakes in my life and for which, you know, I’ve acknowledged and I apologize. But I also think, God willing, that I can give something back.”
McGreevey, elected as New Jersey governor in 2001, resigned from office in 2004, revealing his sexual orientation and confessing to an extramarital affair with his homeland security adviser. “My truth is that I am a gay American,” he announced during a news conference at the time.
The former governor launched his mayoral campaign at a Dominican café owned by Candido Ortiz, a man who received clemency after more than two decades in federal prison. Ortiz was aided by the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, a nonprofit led by McGreevey that supports individuals upon their release from prison, assisting them in finding jobs, housing, and other resources.
Reflecting on the past 20 years, McGreevey told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on Friday that the experience has changed him, describing his younger self as a “young man in a hurry.” He expressed gratitude for the transformative journey, saying, “I never thought I would say this, but it was a blessing to have traveled the road I traveled because I’m very different.”
McGreevey acknowledged the shifting attitudes towards sexuality in the United States since his resignation, stating, “It’s miraculous.” He highlighted the progress in societal acceptance, particularly for the younger generation, where coming out is now perceived as “no big deal.”
The incumbent mayor of Jersey City, Steven Fulop, has opted not to seek reelection, instead pursuing the Democratic nomination for governor. In a campaign video, McGreevey, who previously served as mayor of Woodbridge Township, appealed for a second chance, acknowledging his imperfections.
“I’m imperfect and I’ll always be imperfect. It’s important to take accountability to do the next right thing. It was painful, but I would not have traded anything that I’ve experienced. It’s made me a better person, more compassionate,” McGreevey stated in the video.
“When my grandparents came from Ireland, they were looking for a second chance, a new opportunity. And that’s what, God willing, this campaign is all about, is a new opportunity for Jersey City,” he added.
