The Breakfast Club - INTERVIEW: James Solomon & Frank Gilmore Talk Jersey City Mayoral Race, Housing, Health Care, Agendas + More

Podcast: The Breakfast Club (iHeartPodcasts)
Hosts Present: Charlamagne tha God, DJ Envy
Guests: Councilman James Solomon (Jersey City mayoral candidate), Councilman Frank Gilmore (Ward F, Jersey City)
Date: November 3, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Jersey City Councilmen James Solomon, a candidate for mayor, and Frank Gilmore. The discussion covers key challenges facing Jersey City—affordability, housing, flooding, healthcare, gentrification, and crime—and explores their vision for independent, people-focused governance. Both councilmen push back against machine politics and advocate practical solutions, transparency, and direct community engagement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Origins & Motivation (02:17–03:15)

• Host Introduction: Charlamagne and DJ Envy introduce Solomon and Gilmore, noting a lack of background information provided by producers (humorous/confessional beginning).
• Why Run for Mayor?
  • James Solomon:
    • Cites 50% rent and property tax increases over five years.
    • "We haven't had a leader who's focused on actually making the city affordable." [03:15]
    • Emphasizes not taking developer campaign money—"Gives us some real independence."
    • Vows to push for "20% affordable in all new projects... with real rent. So rents $1,000 a month, rents $1,500 a month." [03:58]
  • Local Roots: Grew up in Milburn, has lived in Jersey City for 15 years.

2. Affordability & Development (03:51–04:47, 11:17–12:55)

• Development Oversight:
  • Solomon criticizes the "luxury only" wave; aims to force developers to contribute to affordability.
• Independence from Developers:
  • Both take pride in not accepting money from real estate developers, promising truly independent decision-making.
• Frank Gilmore:
  • "We want to make sure the development...benefits the community and...developers are paying a fair share." [12:34]

Notable Quote:

"Jersey City developers have taken a lot, and it's time for them to start giving back to us."
— James Solomon [03:58]

3. City Council Importance & Machine Politics (04:47–05:57, 28:08–31:06)

• City Council’s Role:
  • Gilmore asserts, "Council races are more important than the actual mayoral races...ultimately the council is tasked with either approving or voting that initiative down."
• Machine Politics:
  • Both emphasize being grassroots/independent in contrast to the "powerful political machine."
  • Independence allows focus on “the people” instead of party bosses or developer funders.

Notable Quote:

"If you don't have [independent voices], you just get the rubber stamp over and over again. Whatever the machine wants, whatever the money wants, that's what they get."
— James Solomon [05:41]

4. Flooding & Infrastructure (05:57–07:19)

• Ongoing Flooding:
  • Discussion of persistent flooding problems due to historic land reclamation.
  • Solomon’s proposed solutions:
    • Treating the city "like a sponge": more trees, porous pavements, additional pumps.
    • Major investments needed in infrastructure to build "stormwater resiliency."
  • Links flooding to broader issue of climate change.

5. Healthcare, Personal Story, and Policy (07:19–09:52)

• Solomon’s Cancer Survival:
  • Personal account: Diagnosed at 30, remission for 9 years.
  • Inspires core priorities: "family and public service."
  • Led to pushing for expanded clinics and supporting universal healthcare.
  • Laments national system allowing medical bankruptcies, vowing to always support pro-healthcare candidates.

Notable Quote:

"When you're going through that tough treatment, you need to be focused on yourself and your family. [You shouldn't] have to be worried about insurance and bills on top of that."
— James Solomon [08:35]

• Facing Federal Cuts:
  • Solomon candidly acknowledges limitations: "You can't promise things you can't deliver, but you can promise that you’re going to fight." [09:19]

6. Why Past Mayors Haven't Changed JC & What’s Different (09:52–11:17)

• Stagnation Complaint:
  • Host reflects on 20+ years as a resident—"nothing ever changes."
• Solomon’s Perspective:
  • Machine politics lead to leadership unresponsive to ordinary residents.
  • He and Gilmore’s independence positions them to fight for real affordable housing and “money in people’s pockets.”
  • “Mayor’s the dream job that you actually get to serve your community every day.” [10:54]

7. Government Transparency & Holding Institutions Accountable (11:17–12:55)

• Gilmore’s Position:
  • Points to uncollected payroll taxes by large institutions tied to political leadership.
  • Argues fair taxation of powerful entities would relieve pressure on homeowners.

8. Compassionate Capitalism & Political Integrity (12:55–14:19)

• Hosts and guests reference "compassionate capitalism," citing Killer Mike and Zoran Mamdani as examples of prioritizing everyday residents.
• Gilmore insists, "I'm not anti-development. I'm just pro responsible development."
• Personal integrity over big-donor politics: Gilmore refused large political gifts to remain authentic.

9. Crime, Policing & Community Investments (14:19–17:09, 21:28–22:26)

• Crime Stats:
  • Murders down, but assaults, thefts, and property crimes are up.
• Solomon’s Approach:
  • Aims to hire more officers (lost 150+ in five years) and change deployment strategy (officers currently stuck on fixed posts).
  • Invests in community:
    • Plan for 1,000 summer youth jobs.
    • Expand violence interrupter programs.
• Cash Bail & Recidivism:
  • Gilmore supports cashless bail but notes problems with repeat violent offenders; advocates for reforms that balance fairness and public safety.
• Tackling Petty Crime:
  • Emphasizes addressing root causes: drug addiction and lack of opportunity.
  • Community-based organizations need funding to do meaningful intervention work.

10. Gentrification, Ownership & Community Wealth (22:26–25:50)

• Gilmore’s Pragmatic Take:
  • Gentrification is unavoidable—urges Black and Brown residents to become owners: “Buy up whatever you can buy up, get together with two or three people, buy it up, buy your grandmother house...I don't care who's in charge, you have to have ownership.” [22:33]
  • Warns against merely “complaining” and stresses collective economic action.
• Bridging the Resource Gap:
  • Regular residents are unfamiliar with programs/policies, so Gilmore and Solomon prioritize door-to-door outreach, homebuyer seminars, and educational events.
  • “My whole platform is about educating people. That’s really the main reason I’m into politics.” —Frank Gilmore [25:50]

11. Polls, Opponents & The Fight Against the Machine (27:23–28:31)

• Polls Tightening:
  • Solomon explains late surge in polls is from focusing on “money in pockets” and unaffiliated status.
  • Runs against Jim McGreevey, a well-funded, establishment-backed former governor.
• Track Record:
  • Solomon's council record: Banned illegal rent-pricing algorithms, removed pool fees.

12. Why Gilmore Endorses Solomon (28:31–31:06)

• Gilmore’s Endorsement:
  • Calls Solomon “one of my biggest allies” and the only other councilmember who is truly independent.
  • Notes Solomon’s tenacity — “I’ve witnessed him argue with legal...‘I’m saying find a way in which we can do it...’”
  • Praises Solomon’s ability to get things done even while outnumbered on council votes.

Notable Moment:

"I don't understand politics the way you understand it."
— Frank Gilmore, about refusing backroom deals [30:42]

13. Final Policy Points & Call To Action (31:07–34:36)

• Solomon’s Closing Pitches:

  • Affordability: “We can end the luxury-only housing and get housing people can actually afford.”
  • Public Service: Promises "genuine public servants."
  • Policy: Rent-to-own programs for public workers, rent cap, stabilize property taxes.
  • "If you want leadership that’s independent, that puts the people first...we’re asking for your vote." [31:13]
  • Voting info: Early voting open now; election day is November 4, polls 6am–8pm.

• Working With Local Influencers:

  • Both stress the importance of collaborating with grassroots leaders, artists, and activists—using Newark’s 24 Hours of Peace as a model.

14. Addressing Media Attacks & Personal Backgrounds (33:34–34:31)

• On Privilege & Focus:
  • Charlamagne raises recent hit piece accusing Solomon of privilege.
  • Gilmore: “You gonna penalize me from my parents making the right decision?”
  • Solomon: What matters is "are you dedicating your life to making other people's lives better?" [34:01]
  • Refocus on concrete issues: rent, schools, safety, infrastructure.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Part of our job is money in people's pockets.” — James Solomon [24:48]
• “You treat the problem and not the symptom.” — Frank Gilmore on crime and addiction [21:45]
• "If gentrification is here, you have to be a part of the system...own your house, don’t sell." — Frank Gilmore [22:33]
• “You have to be proactive, man. It's already here. And you have to become a willing participant inside of this cycle.” — Frank Gilmore [23:02]
• “That's the only way I could win a race with $50,000 going against $2.5 million. Right. Because the people like representation." — Frank Gilmore [13:26]
• "We banned illegal algorithms to set rents high. We repealed the fees they put on our public pools." — James Solomon, on accomplishments [28:08]
• “We can have hope. We can have genuine public servants that each and every day get up and think their job is to serve other people.” — James Solomon [31:13]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|------------| | Motivations for running & JC challenges | 03:15 | | Affordability, development, independence | 03:58–05:41| | City council’s role and machine politics | 04:47–05:57| | Flooding and resilience infrastructure | 05:57–07:19| | Healthcare, cancer survival story | 07:19–09:52| | Fighting stagnation in JC | 09:52–11:17| | Fair taxation & transparency | 11:17–12:55| | Compassionate capitalism & integrity | 12:55–14:19| | Crime, police strategies, youth programs | 14:19–17:09| | Tackling petty crime, addiction | 21:28–22:26| | Gentrification, ownership & programs | 22:26–25:50| | Polling, opponent, campaign strategy | 27:23–28:31| | Gilmore's endorsement of Solomon | 28:31–31:06| | Final pitches for mayoral race | 31:07–34:36| | Media attacks and focusing on real issues | 33:34–34:31| | Voting information | 34:36 |

Takeaways

• Core Message: Real change requires independence, transparency, and persistent grassroots outreach. Both Solomon and Gilmore make strong cases that Jersey City’s future hinges on honest leaders putting residents over political machines and developer interests.
• Practical Focus: Their advocacy is for tangible policy: affordable rents, homeowner support, educational outreach, police reform, and social investment.
• Resistant to Distraction: Both dismiss personal or media attacks in favor of focusing on the city's pressing needs—fighting for residents' quality of life.
• Call to Action: Listeners in Jersey City are urged to participate in early and election day voting.