Former New Jersey governor Jim McGreevey running for Jersey City mayor
JERSEY CITY, N.J. -- After former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey resigned from office nearly two decades ago, he announced Thursday he's running for mayor of Jersey City.
McGreevey, surrounded by many members of the state's Democratic political machine, officially announced his campaign at a local restaurant.
"I will work tirelessly to bring immediate, prudent change to Jersey City," said McGreevey, who once promised he'd never return to politics. "This election is not about yesterday. It's about our tomorrows. And candidly, I have made mistakes in my own life for which I have apologized and owned."
McGreevey, 66, resigned as governor nearly 20 years ago when a lawsuit threatened to expose an extramarital affair with a man he appointed to a homeland security post.
"My truth is that I am a gay American," McGreevey said when he resigned.
The resignation is now part of McGreevey's campaign video, where he's seen contemplating in between clips of that historic moment.
His daughter, also featured in the video, stood by him during Thursday's announcement.
"Our family roots in this city run deep," said Jaclyn McGreevey.
Hudson County Commissioner Bill O'Dea said he's challenging McGreevey and announcing his candidacy on Nov. 18.
"The issue of giving a job to run homeland security or involved with homeland security, right after 9/11, to someone you had a personal relationship with, yeah, I mean, that's a problem," said O'Dea. "I have lived in this city all my life, went to school here, spent my whole life here. I know the streets and neighborhoods better than anybody."
McGreevey said a degree in theology and work in prison reform have helped him become a better person.
"Those were invaluable lessons. I dealt with people who came out of prison who had nothing, who didn't have a dime, who didn't have a place to go," said McGreevey.
Current Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, who said he's running for governor, hasn't announced who he'll endorse for mayor.