Brian Lehrer on WNYC, we've been interviewing all the candidates in the June primaries for mayor of New York and governor of New Jersey.

And we'll do another one of those now on the Democratic side of the

New Jersey gubernatorial primary, Steve Fullop, mayor of Jersey City since 2013.

Little further bio, he's a former Marine and Goldman Sachs employee.

He's overseen significant development in Jersey City and introduced policies

like rent freezes during the pandemic and a right to counsel program for tenants facing

eviction.

Supporters say his experience running a rapidly growing city gives him executive know-how,

while critics argue that Jersey City's growth has contributed to gentrification and rising housing costs,

unlike some of his competitors, Representative Mikey Sherrill, a former federal prosecutor,

Newark Mayor Raz Baraka, longtime progressive leader, Fullop hasn't served in Congress or the state legislature.

He says that's an asset arguing that mayors are more directly accountable to their constituents.

So what's his vision for New Jersey?

How would he tackle the state's biggest issues?

And how does he try to set himself apart in this very competitive primary?

Steve Fullop joins us now.

Mayor Fullop, thanks. Welcome back to WNYC.

Thanks for having you. I didn't know I had critics like that, Brian, to be honest. I'm sure it was a

big surprise to you. And listeners, as we do on these segments, your candidate questions, as well as

mine. Welcome for Steve Fullop, 212, 433, WNYC, 212, 433-9692, call or text. So why do you want to be governor?

Well, look, I've been mayor for 12 years, led a city with one of the best Renaissance stories in the country. We've been the

economic backbone, led on social services, environmental justice issues. I mean, we really led

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