Jersey City Spotlight: Mayor Steven Fulop

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN POLITICS AND WHY DID YOU START YOUR POLITICAL CAREER IN JERSEY CITY?

I got started after my service in the Marine Corps when the late Mayor Cunningham asked me to run for Congress against Bob Menendez. I was 25 years old, had left Goldman Sachs to enlist after 9/11 and was subsequently deployed. When I came back, he helped open a door for me and I realized quickly that it is a profession where you can have a meaningful impact on your community.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE? FAVORITE PART? WHERE DO YOU SEE IT GOING?

Hard to tell where it will go, but I try to focus on the challenges of the day, which are plenty. Jersey City is a big city and so the challenges are numerous, ranging from education, crime, tough budgets, and, importantly, our response to COVID.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SOURCE OF INSPIRATION?

I’ve had a lot of people that helped me and I try to pay it forward. I’ve been blessed to have amazing parents - not something everyone has which was a huge advantage and a big source of inspiration. I’ve had good role models, like Mayor Cunningham, who helped younger people like myself. The list is long. 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?

My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family.  Stasha and Jaxon are 1 and 3, so they are at great ages. I also play the piano and am an avid long distance runner. 

FAVORITE LOCAL SPOTS: 

- Restaurant - Mathews, Renatos, Laicos 

- Coffee Shop - Modcup

- Place to Shop - I don’t have much time so I’m mostly online.

- Bar - Ashford