LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Backs McGreevey for Jersey City Mayor

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund has officially endorsed former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey in his campaign for mayor of Jersey City. If elected, McGreevey would become the city’s first openly gay mayor.

The support from the Washington, D.C.-based organization comes as McGreevey aims to improve representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in government. Annise Parker, the organization’s president and CEO, stated, “Jim will bring a unique and important perspective to Jersey City and ensure all residents are considered when making policy decisions.”

McGreevey, who served as governor from 2002 to 2004, has a campaign focused on several key issues including criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and public safety. He has emphasized his commitment to social justice policies throughout his political career.

“Jersey City has long been among the most diverse communities in our Nation, and my grandparents emigrated from Ireland and settled in Jersey City,” McGreevey said. “As mayor of Jersey City, I will continue championing policies that protect and empower LGBTQ+ residents.”

As governor, McGreevey signed legislation in 2004 that granted legal rights to same-sex couples in New Jersey, making the state one of the first in the nation to do so. He resigned from office following a widely publicized admission of an affair with a male staff member while he was married to a woman.

Since leaving office, McGreevey has worked as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, focusing on providing job training, housing, and healthcare services to formerly incarcerated individuals, including those from the LGBTQ+ community.

According to the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, while LGBTQ+ individuals comprise approximately 7.2% of the U.S. population, they hold just 0.25% of elected positions. The organization’s endorsement of McGreevey aligns with its mission to increase LGBTQ+ representation in government.

In addition to the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, McGreevey has received endorsements from various political figures, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. His campaign is aligned with issues of affordability, public safety, and education.

McGreevey will face Ward E Councilman James Solomon, Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea, Council President Joyce Watterman, and former Board of Education President Mussab Ali in the nonpartisan mayoral race set for November 5.