Steven Fulop

Steven Fulop is a Democratic politician, military veteran, and civic leader whose career has included experience in finance, military service, and government leadership. Before entering public life, Fulop graduated from Binghamton University and joined Goldman Sachs, working in Chicago, Manhattan, and Jersey City. His career trajectory shifted following the September 11 attacks, when he was working in Lower Manhattan and witnessed the first plane strike the Twin Towers. Fulop joined the Marine Corps Reserves shortly after, deploying to Iraq with the 6th Engineer Support Battalion, where he provided engineering, logistics, water purification, and fuel support. He completed his service with the rank of corporal.

After returning from military service, Fulop was elected as councilman representing downtown Jersey City, serving in that role for eight years before becoming mayor. He was elected mayor after defeating the incumbent and was subsequently re-elected, becoming the first Jersey City mayor to win a third term since Frank Hague. During his tenure, more than 300 new police officers were hired, nearly 1,500 units of affordable housing were built or approved, and nearly 800 small businesses opened, creating approximately 10,000 new jobs.

Fulop's approach to urban governance emphasized progressive policies and measurable results. Under his leadership, Jersey City became the first city in New Jersey and the sixth in the United States to ensure paid sick leave. He advanced initiatives for prisoner reentry, small business protection, environmental sustainability, and public safety reform, with the Jersey City Police Department recognized as a model for diversity. His administration added more than $1.4 billion in new taxable property value and expanded affordable housing. Fulop described Jersey City as a laboratory for progressive policy, with several initiatives later adopted statewide, including minimum wage increases and cannabis decriminalization.

After completing his third term as mayor, Fulop ran for the Democratic nomination for governor of New Jersey. Following the primary, Fulop became president and chief executive officer of the Partnership for New York City, an organization representing more than 300 companies, including major firms such as Google and JPMorgan Chase. Fulop's background as a Marine veteran, former Goldman Sachs analyst, and three-term urban mayor informs his leadership in civic and economic development.