JERSEY CITY, N.J. — — A surprising alliance is roiling New Jersey’s political landscape, as George Gilmore, a top consultant for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea, has emerged as a key fundraiser for former Democratic Governor Jim McGreevey’s mayoral campaign in Jersey City.
Gilmore, the influential Ocean County Republican Chairman, co-hosted a fundraiser for McGreevey, helping the former governor amass nearly $2.2 million in campaign funds in the first quarter of 2025.
McGreevey defended Gilmore’s fundraiser, saying the two men are ‘good friends’. McGreevey stood by Gilmore’s
McGreevey, who served as New Jersey’s governor from 2002 to 2004 before resigning amid a personal scandal, is running for mayor of Jersey City in the non-partisan November 2025 election. His campaign has gained momentum, with $986,381 in his direct account and $944,138 in his joint committee, Team McGreevey, fueled in part by Gilmore’s efforts at a Bayville event. McGreevey, endorsed by Governor Phil Murphy, is emphasizing public safety, fiscal responsibility, and affordable housing to appeal to Jersey City voters.
In 2004, New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey resigned amid a scandal involving an extramarital affair with Golan Cipel, an Israeli national he appointed as a homeland security adviser in 2002, despite Cipel’s lack of qualifications.
The $110,000-per-year appointment drew criticism, and Cipel resigned after eight months. McGreevey later admitted to a consensual affair with Cipel, while Cipel denied any romantic relationship, alleging sexual harassment and unwanted advances by McGreevey.
Cipel’s lawyers threatened a lawsuit, prompting McGreevey’s resignation announcement on August 12, 2004, where he came out as a “gay American.”
McGreevey’s memoir, The Confession (2006), revealed he engaged in anonymous sexual encounters at highway rest stops, fearing an open relationship would harm his political career, though these were not directly linked to Cipel.
Gilmore’s support for a Democrat has sparked criticism within Republican circles, given his prominent role in Spadea’s campaign. As a senior consultant for Spadea’s political venture and a paid strategist—reportedly earning $5,000 monthly—Gilmore is a central figure in Spadea’s bid for the GOP gubernatorial nomination.
Spadea has not publicly addressed Gilmore’s involvement with McGreevey, a silence that some observers suggest reflects a strategic choice to avoid alienating his base.
Gilmore’s political resume, including a 2019 conviction and sentencing on tax-related felonies followed by a 2021 pardon from Trump, has further fueled criticism.
Social media posts have labeled Gilmore a “tax cheat” and questioned his influence over Spadea’s campaign.
It’s not the first time Gilmore has been accused of playing for both teams. Prior to his federal conviction, Gilmore served as a partner at 1868 Public Affairs, a lobbying firm owned by New Jersey Democrat Chairman Leroy Jones. He later found work with another political ally.
Gilmore has also been a maverick trailblazer for homosexual Republicans. Last year, he was the main backer behind failed U.S. Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw, an openly gay Republican candidate. He also is close allies with Atlantic County assemblyman Don Guardian. Guardian through his close relationship with Gilmore previously served as the business administrator of Toms River. He is now suing Toms River after he was fired, saying former township leaders called him a ‘pillow biter’ and other homosexual related slurs.
Gilmore has also been a key influencer in facilitating the jobs of many other key gay Republican officials thoughout Ocean County including clerks and other positions.
However, Gilmore is married to his wife Joanne and has never publicly endorsed those candidates simply due to their sexual preferences.
McGreevey’s campaign has downplayed the controversy, stressing the non-partisan nature of Jersey City’s elections.
The former governor’s fundraising success and bipartisan backing underscore his strong position in a crowded mayoral race.
Gilmore’s ability to navigate both Republican and Democratic circles highlights his enduring influence in New Jersey politics, a state known for complex political alliances. However, his dual roles risk complicating Spadea’s appeal to conservative voters, particularly as the GOP primary heats up.
For McGreevey, Gilmore’s support is a financial boost but may invite scrutiny from voters wary of political insiders.
Gilmore also serves as a paid consultant for Optimus Partners, a Democrat aligned lobbying firm headed by Phil Norcross. Norcross is the brother of South Jersey Democrat powerbroker George Norcross. The Norcross brothers were arraigned by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s administration on racketeering charges. Those charges were later dropped.
As Jersey City’s mayoral election and the 2026 gubernatorial primary approach, this unexpected partnership continues to underscore New Jersey’s reputation for unpredictable and hard-fought politics.