Israel Nieves Joins the McGreevey Slate for Mayor of Jersey City

Mayoral candidate Jim McGreevey welcomes Israel “Izzy” Nieves to his slate as an At-Large Council Candidate for Jersey City. Nieves has lived in Jersey City for 45 years and is a dedicated public servant with distinguished military, law enforcement, and community advocacy careers.

Nieves served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1988 to 1995, during which he was on active duty in the Persian Gulf War. He was promoted to Sergeant and earned the Combat Action Award. After receiving an honorable discharge, Nieves served in the Reserves until 1997.

Nieves began serving as a Jersey City Police Department (JCPD) officer from 2003 - 2011. He was assigned to various units, including the U.S. Marshals Service-New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, Special Investigation Unit (SIU), Hudson County Rapid Deployment Team, Quality of Life Task Force, and Police On Patrol Walking Unit. From 2011 to 2014, he worked as a detective in the South Precinct Investigation Bureau before moving into leadership roles as a Night Detective Commander (Sergeant) from 2014 to 2020 and West Precinct Detective Commander (Lieutenant) from 2020 to 2024.

Nieves now serves as volunteer Treasurer of the non-profit organization Puertorriqueños Asociados for Community Organization, Inc. (PACO). He provides outreach services with various nonprofit organizations and, since recently joining the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), has taken a more active outreach approach to veterans needing assistance. Nieves holds a Master of Arts in Human Resources/Training Education from Seton Hall University (2012), a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University (1997), and Series 6 and Series 63 licenses.

Nieves stated, “Through my work with PACO, I have seen the power of community empowerment firsthand. I will promote initiatives that drive economic growth, improve education, and expand healthcare services, ensuring all residents can succeed.”

Outside of his professional endeavors, Nieves has served in various community roles, including as a member of the Jersey City Detective Bureau Association (2011–present), the Jersey City Veterans Advisory Board (2022–present), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (2024–present), the Jersey City Ethical Standards Board (2011–2013), and the Liberty Academy Charter School Board of Trustees (2006–2013).

McGreevey stated, “Israel exemplifies discipline, integrity, and leadership. He has a deep, personal understanding of the challenges veterans and active-duty service members face. As a Lieutenant with the JCPD, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and community engagement. Israel understands the issues facing our neighborhoods. His career reflects his dedication to the power of collective action to drive change."

Nieves stated, “I am running for councilman in 2025 to uplift communities, enhance public safety, and support veterans, the homeless, our seniors, and the mentally ill. I plan to use my military, law enforcement, and non-profit experience to create, execute, and secure long-term positive change for all residents.”

With Nieves joining the McGreevey for Mayor ticket, the campaign strengthens its commitment to service-driven leadership and a vision for a more equitable Jersey City. Nieves joins an accomplished slate of council candidates, including Brandi Warren (Ward A), Efrain Orleans (Ward B), Councilman Richard Boggiano (Ward C), Ryan Baylock (Ward E), Gloria Walton (Ward F), and Meredith Burns (At-Large), each bringing their unique vision and passion for the future of Jersey City.