A Loyal Son of Jersey City

Meet Mussab

Jersey City is more than just the place I call home—it's the very fabric of my story. Raised here by two incredible union workers, my educator mom and postal worker dad, I was gifted a life rich in diversity, community, and the belief that service isn't just a duty but a way of life. Their journey from immigrants to pillars in their community laid the foundation for my path today.

Running for mayor wasn't a decision I made lightly. It's the culmination of years spent in the service of our community, from making history as the youngest elected official in Jersey City at the tender age of 20 to fighting for our teachers, students, and working families as President of the Jersey City Board of Education. My battle against cancer at a young age taught me resilience, and crossing the finish line of the first Jersey City marathon symbolized the strength and determination I bring to every challenge I face.

But my drive goes beyond personal victories. It's about ensuring that every child in Jersey City has the same opportunities I was blessed with—a quality education, a safe community, and the chance to dream big. As a researcher focused on housing inequality, I've seen firsthand the barriers many in our city face, and I'm committed to tearing these down.

From the classrooms of Rutgers and Tsinghua Universities to the hallowed halls of Harvard Law School, my academic journey has been about more than accolades. It's been a quest to arm myself with the knowledge and skills to effect genuine change. Founding the Ali Leadership Institute wasn't just about nurturing the next generation of leaders; it was a pledge to continue the legacy of service my parents instilled in me.

As I stand on the threshold of this new chapter, I carry with me the lessons of my past: the resilience of a cancer survivor, the passion of an educator, and the heart of a Jersey City kid who believes deeply in the power of our community. This campaign is our campaign. Together, let's embrace the challenges ahead and unlock the boundless potential of our beloved Jersey City.

Explore my vision → 

Youngest Elected Official In Jersey City History

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Raised Teachers Salaries to $61,000 a Year

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Abolish Student Lunch Debt

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Raised Minimum Wage to $17/hour

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Passed the First Fully Funded Budget in a Decade

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Youngest Elected Official In Jersey City History ★ Raised Teachers Salaries to $61,000 a Year ★ Abolish Student Lunch Debt ★ Raised Minimum Wage to $17/hour ★ Passed the First Fully Funded Budget in a Decade ★

A Life of Service

Mussab Ali is the former Jersey City Board of Education President, education nonprofit founder, and cancer survivor running for mayor of Jersey City. Mussab is a researcher at Rutgers Law School focused on housing inequality.

Mussab’s parents immigrated to Jersey City 25 years ago in pursuit of a better education for their children. They both got good-paying union jobs - his mom, an educator, and his dad, a postal worker, that allowed them to give their family a good middle-class life.

In 2017, Mussab ran for Jersey City Board of Education and made history as the youngest elected official in Jersey City history, at just 20 years old, and the youngest Muslim elected in the country at the time. He established a student board member position, and worked with community groups in an effort to remediate the lead in the school district. Later elected BOE president by his peers, Mussab worked to raise teachers’ salaries to $61,000 per year, abolish student lunch debt, and raise the minimum wage to $17 per hour. In 2018, Mussab co-founded the Ali Leadership Institute to train the next generation of activists, organizers, and grassroots leaders.

Mussab received his B.A. from Rutgers University-Newark, where he was a Truman scholar, his Master's from Tsinghua University as a Schwarzman Scholar, and his J.D. from Harvard Law School. At Harvard, he served as the student body’s co-president and was a Paul and Daisy Soros Fellow.

Mussab is a survivor of Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and recently ran his first marathon.

Frequently asked questions

  • While this election is nonpartisan, aligning with the idea that our city's needs transcend party lines, I am proud to share that my values align closely with the Democratic Party. My commitment, however, is first and foremost to the people of Jersey City, to address our shared challenges and aspirations beyond partisan constraints.

  • My campaign is people-powered, grounded in the belief that there's extraordinary strength in the collective support of our community members. We accept donations from individuals who share our vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable Jersey City. Transparency and ethics guide us, ensuring our mission remains untainted by special interests.

  • Every donation fuels our grassroots campaign, directly supporting efforts to engage with residents, share our message, and ensure our community's voices are heard. This includes educational materials, community events, and the necessary tools to facilitate meaningful conversations about our city's future. It's about investing in a campaign that's truly by the people, for the people.

  • Service to the community is the cornerstone of my journey. From advocating for quality education as JCBOE president, developing future leaders througe my non profit, and enhancing public safety and promoting economic development throughout my political career, my aim is to serve not just as a voice, but as an active participant in creating solutions. My service is rooted in collaboration, listening, and acting on the needs and aspirations of all Jersey City residents.

  • My vision for Jersey City is a future where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. It's a city that embraces its diversity as its greatest strength, ensures affordable living for all, champions quality education, fosters safe and vibrant communities, supports local businesses, and commits to sustainable practices. Together, we can create a city that is not only prosperous but also inclusive, innovative, and resilient.

  • You should vote for me because I embody the spirit of Jersey City — resilience, diversity, and community. My story is deeply interwoven with the fabric of our city, and my dedication to service has been proven through action. I bring a fresh perspective, grounded in lived experiences and a deep understanding of our city's challenges and potential. With me, you're not just electing a mayor; you're empowering a fellow resident committed to navigating our city toward a brighter, inclusive future for all.