Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop won’t run for governor due to rumors surrounding close ally, source says

In a stunning surprise, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop will announce this afternoon that he will not run for governor of New Jersey in 2017, according to a person familiar with his thinking.The person, who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak for the mayor, said Fulop is choosing to not enter the race because of rumors surrounding Tom Bertoli, a close ally.

Fulop will endorse fellow Democrat Phil Murphy, the person said.

Fulop, 39, has been considered a rising star in both New Jersey and national politics almost since the day he took office as mayor of Jersey City on July 1, 2013.

His success in helping revitalize Jersey City is an economic success story no other city in the state can match, and that made a bid for governor appear to be a natural progression in his political career.

Where Fulop’s career goes from here is no longer certain.

Should Murphy or a different Democratic candidate become governor, Fulop seemingly would not have an opportunity to run for eight more years.