Former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey’s bid for a political comeback fell short Tuesday as he lost in the race for mayor to Jersey City Councilman James Solomon.

The Associated Press declared Solomon the winner of the mayoral race Tuesday night shortly after the polls closed in the runoff election between the two candidates.

Solomon will succeed Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop , who did not seek a fourth term as mayor and lost in the Democratic primary for governor.

McGreevey and Solomon are Democrats, though political parties play no formal role in Jersey City elections.

McGreevey congratulated Solomon during his concession speech.

“I want to say, from my heart, I congratulate Councilman, now Mayor-elect, James Solomon. Can we give him a round of applause,” the former governor said.

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