Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop is making waves in the early stages of the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial race—not by playing it safe, but by doing what many candidates avoid: telling people exactly where he stands, even if it ruffles feathers. As rain fell across Montgomery Township this weekend, Fulop met with voters at a local backyard gathering where his words were met with both applause and hesitation. What stood out wasn’t just his platform—it was his tone.
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A Delicate Topic: Israeli Bonds and State Investments
When asked whether he would support ending New Jersey’s investments in Israeli bonds—a question framed around accusations of genocide—Fulop didn’t jump to a yes or no. Instead, he offered a measured, thoughtful response: “I cannot commit to that.” It’s a stance rooted in practicality more than ideology. Fulop emphasized that, if elected governor, the state’s financial decisions would fall under the expertise of a qualified treasurer, not personal political leanings.
This moment highlights a critical theme of his campaign: honesty over optics. He’s made it clear that while international issues matter, his focus is firmly on New Jersey’s challenges. It’s a strategy that may not satisfy everyone—but it’s part of the brand he’s been building for years.
Congestion Pricing: Another Unpopular but Principled Stance
New Jerseyans are almost unanimously united against New York’s congestion pricing plan, which will charge vehicles entering midtown Manhattan. But Fulop doesn’t back away from his support of it, especially from an environmental standpoint. His argument is simple: very few commuters actually drive daily into Manhattan, and those who do are already paying tolls and pricey parking. To him, it’s not about burdening drivers—it’s about smart urban planning and reducing emissions.
He knows the position isn’t a vote-getter, but it fits the larger theme of his campaign: Say what you believe. Don’t cater to polls.
Fighting the Political Machine
From the outset, Fulop has cast himself as the anti-establishment candidate—someone who’s willing to take on entrenched party bosses rather than seek their approval. His endorsements of progressive and outsider candidates for the Assembly and county commissions are just the latest sign of that. By backing figures like Christopher Binetti (LD-18), Guy Citron, and Ty Powell (LD-23), Fulop isn’t just running his own race—he’s building a movement aimed at transforming New Jersey’s Democratic Party from the inside out.
This move is ruffling feathers in powerful political circles. And that’s exactly the point.
Fulop’s Pitch: No Safety Net, Just Vision
What truly separates Fulop from his competitors is his total commitment. While others in the race—like Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer—entered the gubernatorial field only months after securing new terms in Congress, Fulop has no fallback. He’s giving up his role as mayor to run full-force for the state’s top job.
That decision, he says, is a statement in itself: “It should tell you something.”
And he’s betting that voters will respect that kind of all-in mentality, especially in a state often jaded by career politicians hedging their bets.
Jersey City: A Microcosm of His Vision
Fulop touts Jersey City as one of the most transformed urban centers in America. Once known for its post-industrial decay, it’s now a hub of growth, innovation, and diversity. Under his leadership, the city has often been ahead of the curve—introducing paid leave, raising the minimum wage, and pushing progressive economic reforms before the state followed suit.
He calls Jersey City “the best Renaissance city” in the country—and he believes that same momentum can spread statewide.
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The Road Ahead
As the field for the 2025 Democratic primary continues to fill, Fulop’s challenge is clear: translate grassroots energy and outsider authenticity into votes in a state where machine politics still loom large.
Will voters reward his refusal to play it safe? Or will they fall back on familiar names and safer bets?
Fulop is betting on the former. And in a time where political transparency is often promised but rarely delivered, that alone makes his campaign one of the most interesting to watch in New Jersey.
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