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{{Short description|Governor of New Jersey from 2002 to 2004}}{{redirect|McGreevey|the surname |McGreevey (surname)}}{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2011}}

factoids

| birth_place = Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.| death_date = | death_place = Democratic Party (United States)>DemocraticKari Schutz1997Dina Matos2008|reason=divorced}}| partner = Mark O'Donnell (Separated)| children = 2Catholic University of America>Catholic UniversityColumbia University (Bachelor of Arts)Georgetown University (Juris Doctor>JD)Harvard University (Master of Education)General Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity>MDiv)}}James Edward McGreevey (born August 6, 1957) is an American politician who served as the 52nd governor of New Jersey from 2002 until his resignation in 2004.McGreevey served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1990 to 1992, as the 19th mayor of Woodbridge Township from 1991 to 2002, and in the New Jersey Senate from 1994 to 1998. He was the Democratic nominee for Governor of New Jersey in 1997, but was narrowly defeated by Republican incumbent Christine Todd Whitman. He ran for governor again in 2001 and was elected by a large margin.During his gubernatorial tenure, McGreevey—who was then married to Dina Matos—appointed Israeli national Golan Cipel as Counselor to the Governor, advising on homeland security.WEB, Cipel, Golan, November 6, 2023, Golan Cipel's Official Website About Me,weblink Golan Cipel's Official Website, On August 12, 2004, following threats of a sexual harassment lawsuit from Cipel, McGreevey publicly acknowledged his homosexuality and stated that he had engaged in an extramarital relationship; he also announced that he would resign the governorship effective November 15, 2004.In 2006, following his departure from public office, McGreevey published a memoir entitled The Confession. He later pursued ordination in the Episcopal Church and obtained a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree from General Theological Seminary in New York City; however, the Episcopal Church declined to ordain him and he later returned to the Catholic Church. In July 2013, McGreevey was appointed head of Jersey City's Employment & Training Program (JCETP). He served in that capacity until his 2019 termination. McGreevey serves as Executive Director of the New Jersey Reentry Corporation.

Early life and education

McGreevey was born in Jersey City, the son of Veronica, a nurse, and Jack McGreevey, a Marine drill instructorNEWS,weblink The New York Times, Christine, Hauser, McGreevey Describes 'Intensely Personal Decision' in Speech, August 12, 2004, who served in World War II and the Korean War.WEB,weblink Father of former Gov. Jim McGreevey: Being a Marine was best thing I ever did, NJ.com, November 10, 2015, October 15, 2017, His family was Irish Catholic,WEB,weblink Powell's Books – The Confession by James Mcgreevey, Powell's Books, March 10, 2008, and he grew up in nearby Carteret. There he attended St. Joseph Elementary School, and St. Joseph High School in Metuchen.Moritz, Owen; and Katz, Celeste. "TEN FACTS ABOUT GOV. JIM MCGREEVEY" {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210101230weblink |date=February 10, 2009 }}, New York Daily News, August 13, 2004. Accessed January 8, 2009. He attended The Catholic University of AmericaNEWS,weblink McGreevey Talks To Oprah About His Coming Out, September 12, 2006, August 10, 2008, Associated Press, WCBS-TV, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20080907105854weblink">weblink September 7, 2008, before graduating from Columbia University in 1978.WEB, Fastenberg, Dan, August 2007, An American First,weblink July 2, 2021, Columbia College Today, He earned a Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1981 and a master's degree in education from Harvard University in 1982.NEWS, Halbfinger, David M,weblink Man in the News; Flexibility in Victory; James Edward McGreevey, The New York Times, November 7, 2001, March 10, 2008, "Except for kindergarten, Mr. McGreevey was educated at two parochial schools: St. Joseph elementary school in Carteret, and St. Joseph High School in Metuchen. He spent three semesters at Catholic University in Washington before transferring to Columbia University, where he majored in political science and graduated in 1978. He received a J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1981 and a master's in education from Harvard in 1982."WEB,weblink James McGreevey, NNDB, March 10, 2008, He also attended a summer diploma program in law at the London School of Economics.NEWS,weblink James McGreevey Biography, American Entertainment Institute Speakers Bureau, August 10, 2008,

Career

Prior to entering politics, McGreevey was an assistant prosecutor and executive director of the state Parole Board.NEWS,weblink Jim McGreevey, N.J. jail program land spot at Sundance Film Festival, NJ.com, January 1, 2013, April 3, 2013, McGreevey has taught ethics, law and leadership at Kean University in Union, New Jersey.NEWS,weblink Ex-N.J. Gov. McGreevey Now Teaches Ethics, CBS News, April 19, 2007, March 11, 2008, Associated Press, McGreevey was a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 19th Legislative District from 1990 to 1992, when he became Mayor of Woodbridge Township, New Jersey.NEWS,weblink McGreevey accused of 'smear campaign', Associated Press, NBC News, August 13, 2004, March 10, 2008, NEWS,weblink ABILITY Magazine, Interview with Governor McGreevey, Chet, Cooper, He was re-elected mayor in 1995 and 1999. He was elected to the New Jersey Senate in 1993, simultaneously serving as mayor during the four-year Senate term.WEB,weblink Stack, others want McGreevey to run for Jersey City mayor, Wildstein, David, May 26, 2023, New Jersey Globe, March 25, 2024,weblink June 1, 2023,

Governorship of New Jersey

McGreevey first ran for governor in 1997, but was defeated in a close race (47% to 46%) by the incumbent Republican Christine Todd Whitman. Libertarian candidate Murray Sabrin received slightly over 5% of the vote.NEWS,weblink THE 1997 ELECTIONS: THE GOVERNOR; GIULIANI SWEEPS TO SECOND TERM AS MAYOR; WHITMAN HOLDS ON BY A RAZOR-THIN MARGIN, Jennifer, Preston, August 5, 1997, March 11, 2008, The New York Times, McGreevey ran for the governorship again in 2001 and won with 56% of the vote,NEWS,weblink THE 2001 ELECTIONS: GOVERNOR; Democrat Vows to Alter Way 'Business Is Done in Trenton', August 7, 2001, March 10, 2008, The New York Times, Halbfinger, David M., making him the first majority-elected governor since James Florio.NEWS,weblink ON POLITICS; Is McGreevey Following in Florio's Footsteps?, Iver, Peterson, The New York Times, February 29, 2004, March 11, 2008, His Republican opponent in that race was Bret Schundler.NEWS,weblink ON POLITICS; One Pitches From Inside And the Other From Outside, August 26, 2001, March 10, 2008, David, Halbfinger, The New York Times, Other candidates in the race included William E. Schluter (Independent), Jerry Coleman (Green), Mark Edgerton (Libertarian), Michael Koontz (Conservative), Costantino Rozzo (Socialist) and Kari Sachs (Socialist Workers).WEB,weblink New Jersey, Senate & Presidential Elections 2008 Results & Polls, NJ.com, March 10, 2008,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20080314180419weblink">weblink March 14, 2008, dead, mdy-all, WEB,weblink New Jersey November 2001 Off Year Election, TheGreenPapers.com, March 10, 2008, After being elected to the governorship by a large marginNEWS,weblink McGreevey confession doesn't reveal all, Tom, Curry, NBC News, August 13, 2004, March 10, 2008, on November 6, 2001, McGreevey inherited a US$5 billion budget deficit.NEWS,weblink McGreevey Says Republicans Enacted 'Fraudulent' Budget, February 1, 2002, March 10, 2008, The New York Times, David, Kocieniewsky, During his term, McGreevey raised the tax on cigarettesNEWS,weblink New Jersey Budget plan cuts aid to avert worst shortfall in U.S., Kocieniewski, David, March 27, 2002, The New York Times, March 25, 2024,weblink May 27, 2015, and increased the state income tax for the wealthy.NEWS,weblink McGreevey Looks to Wealthy To Fix New Jersey Property Tax, April 30, 2004, March 10, 2008, Laura, Mansnerus, The New York Times, Raised Catholic but maintaining a pro-choice stance on abortion, he stated as governor that he would not receive Communion at public church services.NEWS,weblink McGreevey Won't Receive Communion, David, Kocieniewsky, The New York Times, May 6, 2004, March 10, 2008, WEB,weblink Paul D. Kengor on Pro-Choice Catholic Politicians, Kengor, Paul D., National Review Online, August 25, 2004, March 10, 2008, NEWS,weblink FATHER McGREEVEY?, Gloria, Campisi, May 3, 2007, March 10, 2008, The Philadelphia Times, VirtueOnline, Among McGreevey's accomplishments were auto insurance reform,NEWS, O'Neill, Erin, Gov. Chris Christie credits former Gov. Jim McGreevey for a decrease in New Jersey auto insurance rates,weblink Politifact, July 7, 2011, January 15, 2022, restructuring the Division of Motor Vehicles to the Motor Vehicle Commission, signing the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act into law, implementing a stem cell research plan for New Jersey,NEWS,weblink McGreevey Signs Bill Creating Stem Cell Research Center, May 13, 2004, David, Kocieniewsky, The New York Times, heavily lobbying for the state's first domestic partnership law for same-sex couplesNEWS,weblink McGreevey Urges N.J. To Approve Gay Marriage Law, October 30, 2006, March 10, 2008, WNBC,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20080928092507weblink">weblink September 28, 2008, dead, and signing such a law in early 2004.NEWS,weblink New Jersey To Recognize Gay Couples, The New York Times, Laura, Mansnerus, January 9, 2004, March 10, 2008,

Golan Cipel controversy

{{further|Golan Cipel}}McGreevey met Golan Cipel in Israel during a trip there in 2000.NEWS,weblink New Jersey Republicans See Shortsighted Cronyism in McGreevey's Appointments, March 4, 2002, March 10, 2008, David, KOCIENIEWSKI, The New York Times, Cipel relocated to the United States to work for McGreevey's 2001 gubernatorial campaign as a liaison to the Jewish community.In 2002, following his election as governor, McGreevey appointed Cipel as Counselor to the Governor at a salary of $110,000.WEB,weblink Man in McGreevey Scandal Speaks Out, ABC News, August 13, 2004, Members of the Legislature questioned the appointment,NEWS,weblink A GOVERNOR RESIGNS: OVERVIEW; McGreevey Steps Down After Disclosing a Gay Affair (Published 2004), The New York Times, August 13, 2004, Mansnerus, Laura, and it was criticized because Cipel was unqualified for the position. In addition, Cipel could not obtain a security approval from the federal government, as he was Israeli and not a U.S. citizen; therefore, the FBI and the Secret Service would not provide him with intelligence.WEB,weblink McGreevey confession doesn't reveal all, August 13, 2004, NBC News, (File:Jim McGreevey by David Shankbone.jpg|thumb|McGreevey in 2007)McGreevey brought up Cipel's name six weeks into his administration in a February 14, 2002, interview with The Record's editorial board at its offices, saying:{{blockquote|We will not skimp on security. We actually brought on a security adviser from the Israel Defense Forces, probably the best in the world.NEWS,weblink The Making of a Gay American, September 18, 2006, March 10, 2008, New York (magazine), New York, James, McGreevey, }}McGreevey assisted Cipel in obtaining a townhouse near McGreevey's home. Cipel reportedly stated that he needed to live near the governor because his job involved being on call on a 24-hour basis. "According to the Star-Ledger newspaper, McGreevey even accompanied Cipel on a final walk-through of the townhouse, which the real estate agent said she found odd".WEB,weblink CNN.com - Over and out - Aug 13, 2004, www.cnn.com, In March 2002, Cipel stepped down from his Homeland Security position and was reassigned to an advisor position regarding government operations. In August 2002, Cipel resigned from the McGreevey administration.NEWS,weblink An Adviser to McGreevey Resigns, August 15, 2002, March 10, 2008, David, Kocieniewski, The New York Times, Cipel later threatened to file a sexual harassment lawsuit against McGreevey. This threat led to McGreevey's August 2004 resignation from office.

Other controversies

David D'Amiano, a key McGreevey fund-raiser, was ultimately sentenced to two years in prison for extorting $40,000 from a farmer, Mark Halper, a Middlesex County landowner cooperating with investigators. In the 47-page indictment, there are repeated references to the involvement of "State Official 1," later revealed to be McGreevey. In a conversation with Halper, McGreevey used the word "Machiavelli," the code allegedly arranged by D'Amiano intended to assure the farmer that his $40,000 campaign contribution would get him preferential treatment in a dispute over his land.NEWS,weblink A Fund-Raiser Is Sentenced To Two Years in a Payoff Case, January 28, 2005, November 12, 2017, RONALD, SMOTHERS, The New York Times,

Resignation

On the afternoon of August 12, 2004, faced with threats from Cipel's lawyer, Allen Lowy, that Cipel would file a sexual harassment lawsuit against him in Mercer County Court,MAGAZINE,weblink The Governor's Secret Life, Time, 164, 8, John, Cloud, August 23, 2004, April 20, 2019,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20070222170111weblink">weblink February 22, 2007, live, McGreevey held a press conference. At the press conference, he said: "At a point in every person's life, one has to look deeply into the mirror of one's soul and decide one's unique truth in the world, not as we may want to see it or hope to see it, but as it is. And so my truth is that I am a gay American".NEWS,weblink McGreevey: 'I am a gay American', CNN, August 13, 2004, November 4, 2021,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20040814025742weblink">weblink August 14, 2004, dead, NEWS,weblink New Jersey governor quits, comes out as gay, CNN, August 13, 2004, November 4, 2021,weblink August 16, 2004, dead, He also said that he had "engaged in an adult consensual affair with another man" (whom his aides immediately named as Cipel),NEWS,weblink McGreevey to quit, declares 'I am a gay American', August 13, 2004,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20041103010214weblink">weblink November 3, 2004, April 20, 2019, Yael, Kohen, The New York Sun, and that he would resign effective November 15, 2004. New Jersey political circles had speculated about McGreevey's sexual orientation and questions about his relationship with Cipel had been alluded to in the media.WEB,weblink Under the Gaydar, May 15, 2006, McGreevey's announcement made him the first openly gay state governor in United States history. The Star-Ledger won the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting for its "coverage of the resignation of New Jersey's governor after he announced he was gay and confessed to adultery with a male lover.""Columbia University Announces 2005 Pulitzer Prizes.", PR Newswire, April 4, 2005. Accessed December 23, 2007. For his part, Cipel later asserted that he was heterosexualWEB,weblink MAN DISPUTES WHAT HAPPENED WITH GOVERNOR, August 16, 2004, Baltimore Sun, WEB,weblink 'I'm just seeking a nice American Jewish bride', The Jerusalem Post, September 27, 2006, and denied having had an affair with McGreevey;NEWS,weblink Israeli Denies He Was NJ Governor's Lover, Haaretz, NEWS,weblink Aide McGreevey Cited Says They Never Had an Affair (Published 2006), The New York Times, September 18, 2006, Jacobs, Andrew, WEB,weblink Ex-aide denies McGreevey relationship, September 19, 2006, wthr.com, Cipel has contended that McGreevey subjected him to sexual harassmentWEB,weblink Lawyer: McGreevey's accuser will not sue, August 30, 2004, NBC News, and sexual assaultWEB,weblink Israeli accuses former NJ governor of assault, The Jerusalem Post, September 19, 2006, and then fired him when his advances were rejected.NEWS,weblink Golan Cipel: I Was Portrayed as a Ridiculous Character', Haaretz, August 18, 2004, McGreevey's decision to delay the effective date of his resignation until after September 3, 2004, avoided a special election in November to replace the governor.NEWS, Kocieniewski, David,weblink McGreevey Stays Put, and Intrigue Builds, September 5, 2004, April 20, 2019, The New York Times,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150528025224weblink">weblink May 28, 2015, dead, NEWS, Mansnerus, Laura,weblink McGreevey Hunkers Down, but Exit Pressure Grows, The New York Times, August 17, 2004,weblink April 20, 2019, April 20, 2019, bot: unknown, Doing so allowed the Democratic Party to retain control of the governorship for the rest (until January 2006) of the four-year term. It avoided the prospect of a special election in tandem with the presidential election, which could have resulted in a Republican victory and helped George W. Bush capture New Jersey's electoral votes.NEWS,weblink The McGreevey Matter – The impact on presidential politics, August 16, 2004, March 10, 2008, Sabato, Larry J.,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20080213062014weblink">weblink February 13, 2008, Bush did not win New Jersey's electoral votes in the 2004 presidential election, but captured 46 percent of the statewide vote, compared to 40 percent in the 2000 race, and did win re-election.Almost immediately after McGreevey's announcement, New Jersey Republicans and Democrats alike called upon the governor not to wait until November to resign and instead to do so immediately.NEWS,weblink Ex-Aide Says He Was Victim of McGreevey, The New York Times, August 13, 2004, April 20, 2019, Mansnerus, Laura, Kocieniewski, David, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090424120913weblink">weblink April 24, 2009, NEWS,weblink Democrats Press McGreevey to Quit, August 18, 2004, April 20, 2019, Washington Post, Dewar, Helen, Garcia, Michelle,weblink November 9, 2012, An editorial in The New York Times read, "Mr. McGreevey's strategy to delay resignation does not serve New Jersey residents well. The state will be led by an embattled governor mired in personal and legal problems for three months."WEB,weblink The Governor's Secret, The New York Times, August 13, 2004,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090424120009weblink">weblink April 24, 2009, dead, April 20, 2019, On September 15, U.S. District Judge Garrett E. Brown Jr. dismissed Afran v. McGreevey,NEWS,weblink Princeton-area lawyers file lawsuit against McGreevey, September 9, 2004, March 10, 2008, The Daily Princetonian, Erik, Linstrum, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20060906183431weblink">weblink September 6, 2006, filed by Green Party lawyers Bruce Afran and Carl J. Mayer, dismissing their claim that the postponement of McGreevey's resignation had left a vacancy, thereby violating New Jersey residents' voting rights. Brown stated that McGreevey "clearly intends to hold office until November 15, 2004. The requirement of holding a special election does not arise. The rights of registered voters are not being violated."NEWS,weblink Associated Press, USA Today, Judge won't order special N.J. election, September 15, 2004,weblink April 14, 2008, NEWS,weblink Judge Dismisses Case Seeking a Vote to Replace McGreevey, Laura, Mansnerus, The New York Times, September 16, 2004,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150528054512weblink">weblink May 28, 2015, April 20, 2019, Afran re-filed the same suit in Mercer County Superior Court and Judge Linda R. Feinberg heard arguments on October 4, 2004.Fellow Democrat and New Jersey Senate President Richard Codey took office upon McGreevey's resignationNEWS,weblink Transition Ends: A Quiet Goodbye for McGreevey, Mansnerus, Laura, Beston, Josh, November 16, 2004,weblink May 28, 2015, April 20, 2019, The New York Times, and served the remainder of the term until January 17, 2006.NEWS,weblink A Sentimental Last Address as a Temporary Governor, Jones, Richard Lezin, Benson, Josh, January 11, 2006,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150611010532weblink">weblink June 11, 2015, April 20, 2019, The New York Times, live, At the time of McGreevey's resignation, the New Jersey State Constitution stipulated that the Senate president retains that position while serving as acting governor.WEB,weblink New Jersey State Constitution, March 10, 2008, njleg.state.nj.us, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090630013226weblink">weblink June 30, 2009, In the wake of McGreevey's resignation, and in consideration of other past New Jersey governors who had left office before the end of their terms, such as Christie Todd Whitman, who had resigned in 2001 when President George W. Bush appointed her to head the EPA, and Governor A. Harry Moore, who resigned in 1935 to serve in the U.S. Senate,WEB, Benson, Josh,weblink New Jersey, Used to Having Governors Leave Early, Considers Need for a Lieutenant, The New York Times, en-US, live, October 25, 2005, November 13, 2023, November 13, 2023,weblink WEB, Shure, John,weblink The People Should Choose Who Fills the Shoes, New Jersey Policy Perspective, en-US, live, September 10, 2004, November 12, 2013, November 12, 2013,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20131112094459weblink">weblink New Jersey passed an amendment to the state constitution in 2005 that created the post of Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, effective January 17, 2006.WEB,weblink Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 2 (SCR2), New Jersey State Legislature, A Concurrent Resolution proposing to amend Articles II, IV, V, and XI of the Constitution of the State of New Jersey, en-US, live, November 13, 2023, September 21, 2013,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20130921055139weblink">weblink The first election for lieutenant governor was held in 2009.WEB,weblink New Jersey Office of Lt. Governor Data Sheet, National Lieutenant Governors Association, en-US, live, August 22, 2016, November 13, 2023, November 13, 2023,weblink

Post-gubernatorial activities

Memoir

In September 2006, McGreevey published a memoir, written with assistance from David France as ghostwriter.NEWS,weblink The passion of Jim McGreevey, September 29, 2006, March 10, 2008, Salon.com, Richard, Kim, The memoir was titled The Confession.NEWS,weblink Excerpts From 'The Confession,' McGreevey's Autobiography, September 17, 2006, The New York Times, March 11, 2008, McGreevey appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show on September 19, 2006, to discuss and promote the book. It was the start of a two-month promotion of his memoir.Two years after declaration, McGreevey finds stride as 'gay American' {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060831143705weblink |date=August 31, 2006 }} Associated Press, August 12, 2006.In The Confession, McGreevey describes the duality of his life before he came out as gay: "As glorious and meaningful as it would have been to have a loving and sound sexual experience with another man, I knew I'd have to undo my happiness step by step as I began chasing my dream of a public career and the kind of 'acceptable' life that went with it. So, instead, I settled for the detached anonymity of bookstores and rest stops{{spaced ndash}}a compromise, but one that was wholly unfulfilling and morally unsatisfactory."NEWS,weblink McGreevey's Confession, May 25, 2006, March 11, 2008, San Francisco Bay Times, Wayne, Benson, McGreevey discusses his book The Confession at the San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529060603weblink |date=May 29, 2009 }}, New York Times' Times Talks Series, ForaTV, October 14, 2006 (video). McGreevey also included descriptions of his alleged affair with Golan Cipel. In response, Cipel continued to deny that an affair between the two men occurred.

Divinity studies and community-building

File:Alexandra Pelosi and Jim McGreevey Fall to Grace.JPG|thumb|Filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi and McGreevey at the HBOHBOMcGreevey and his partner Mark O'Donnell regularly attended Saint Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in New York, in addition to a local parish in New Jersey.McGreevey Explores Homosexuality in Memoir {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070507044031weblink |date=May 7, 2007 }} 1010-WINS, April 28, 2006. At St. Bartholomew's, McGreevey was received into the Episcopal Church on Sunday, April 29, 2007. He was accepted to General Theological Seminary, from which he received the degree of Master of Divinity,WEB, Bennett, Chuck,weblink Heaven can wait: McGreevey priest bid is rejected, Nypost.com, 2011-04-25, 2014-05-06, a prerequisite to becoming an Episcopal priest.NEWS,weblink McGreevey applies for priesthood?, WABC (AM), WABC, May 2, 2007, March 10, 2008,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090208142504weblink">weblink February 8, 2009, dead, mdy-all, NEWS,weblink McGreevey mulling Episcopal priesthood, The Star-Ledger blog, May 2, 2007, March 10, 2008, In 2009, McGreevey told The New York Times that he volunteered for Exodus Ministries, where he performed service to former prisoners seeking rehabilitation at the Church of Living Hope in Harlem, New York.Jersey Boy, Deborah Solomon, New York Times, April 29, 2009. On November 16, 2009, WCBS-TV reported that McGreevey was continuing his training at All Saints Episcopal Church in Hoboken. An April 2011 report indicated that McGreevey's bid for ordination had been rejected. McGreevey then worked at Integrity House at the Hudson County Correctional Facility with women inmates with a history of drug use.WEB,weblink Christie and McGreevey talk treatment at Hudson County jail, May 2013, NJ.com, October 15, 2017, McGreevey's life after politics, his pursuit of the priesthood, and his ministry to prison inmates are covered in a 2013 HBO documentary film, Fall to Grace, directed by Alexandra Pelosi.Reuters. (January 19, 2013). "Jim McGreevey and the 'Fall to Grace' Documentary Looks at New Life of 'Gay American' Governor" from The Jewish Daily Forward. Retrieved March 20, 2013.WEB,weblink McGreevy, NJ jail program ear spot at sundance, Angela Delli Santi, January 1, 2013, Associated Press, October 15, 2017, September 20, 2014,weblink" title="archive.today/20140920214736weblink">weblink After some years as an Episcopalian, McGreevey rejoined the Catholic Church. As of 2023, he regularly attended Mass at the Christ the King Catholic Church in Jersey City.NEWS, Tully, Tracey, 2023-09-22, Governor Who Quit Politics Amid Scandal Eyes a New Job: Mayor, en-US, The New York Times,weblink 2023-09-22, 0362-4331,

Jersey City Employment & Training Program

In July 2013, McGreevey was appointed executive director of Jersey City's Employment & Training Program (JCETP).WEB,weblink Blog News Politics " Former Gov McGreevey to Head Jersey City Employment & Training Commission, The Jersey City Independent, July 12, 2013, May 6, 2014,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140831213649weblink">weblink August 31, 2014, dead, WEB,weblink Former Gov. McGreevey to head Jersey City jobs commission, July 12, 2013, NJ.com, 2014-05-06, WEB,weblink McGreevey says new role will help create "one Jersey City", NJ.com, 2013-07-12, 2014-05-06, The program, which provides re-entry coaching for those released from prison, along with other services, such as job opportunities and training, and substance abuse rehabilitationWEB,weblink Grand Opening Celebration of Martin's Place Focuses on Second Chances, Drawing National and Local Attention - Integrity House, 2016-04-21, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20161107071731weblink">weblink November 7, 2016, mdy-all, NEWS, Thorbourne, Ken, Former NJ Gov. McGreevey and Jersey City community leader helping ex-offenders, The Jersey Journal, June 28, 2014,weblink 2014-08-20, WEB,weblink Nancy Pelosi, Gov. Christie to be there when Jersey City opens prisoner re-entry center, NJ.com, September 12, 2014, October 15, 2017, is based at The Hub in the city's Jackson Hill neighborhood.WEB,weblink Christie joins 3 ex-governors, Jersey City mayor, Nancy Pelosi at opening of prisoner re-entry center, NJ.com, September 15, 2014, October 15, 2017, WEB,weblink Christie, Pelosi attend prisoner re-entry center ceremony in Jersey City - News - NorthJersey.com, 2015-12-31, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140915210846weblink">weblink September 15, 2014, mdy-all, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop stated that McGreevey was "a valuable asset"WEB,weblink Former Gov. McGreevey to head Jersey City jobs commission, NJ.com, July 12, 2013, October 15, 2017, to have in this position.Among those at the September 2014 opening of the facility called Martin's PlaceWEB,weblink City of Jersey City, www.CityOfJerseyCity.com, October 15, 2017, (located on the major street of Martin Luther King Drive) were Brendan Byrne, Tom Kean, Steve Fulop, Chris Christie, Robert Menendez, Nancy Pelosi and Cornell William Brooks.NEWS, Chris Christie holds hands with Nancy Pelosi: The Auditor, the Jersey Journal, September 16, 2014,weblink 2014-09-16, WEB,weblink North Jersey News and Information; NorthJersey.com, The prisoner re-entry program, funded by the New Jersey Parole Board with a $4.2 million grant, is located in Sacred Heart Church, also in the neighborhood.WEB,weblink Local politicians hail new prisoner re-entry center, NJ.com, July 22, 2015, October 15, 2017, In January 2019, the board of the JCETP voted to terminate McGreevey's employment.WEB,weblink McGreevey fired as head of Jersey City job, prisoner re-entry nonprofit, McDonald, Terrence T., 2019-01-08, nj.com, en-US, 2019-04-23, A forensic audit suggested that funds had been inappropriately re-directed to another program, NJ ReEntry. McGreevey claimed that the move was political and asserted that eight independent audits found no wrongdoing.WEB,weblink Audit battle: Jersey City says millions missing from second-chance program; McGreevey says every dollar accounted for, Jordan, Wolman, June 14, 2019, NJ.com, WEB,weblink Jersey City official charged with taking bribes vows fight and lashes out at McGreevey, Rodrigo, Torrejon, NJ.com, January 4, 2020, During the COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey, McGreevey sought to place early-release prisoners, many of whom were homeless, in makeshift shelters.WEB,weblink A former governor goes rogue on coronavirus; Editorial, April 5, 2020, NJ.com,

New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC)

McGreevey serves as Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC).WEB,weblink Morris County partners with McGreevey group to help former inmates: 'A win for everybody', Daily Record,

Potential return to politics

In October 2015, McGreevey moved from Plainfield to Jersey City, sparking rumors that he might run for mayor.WEB,weblink McGreevey moves to Jersey City: report, NJ.com, October 15, 2015, October 15, 2017, In 2023, with mayor Steven Fulop retiring to run for governor, McGreevey's name was floated among potential candidates to succeed him, with the Union City mayor and State Senator Brian P. Stack endorsing his potential bid.WEB,weblink Here's an early short list of possible Jersey City mayoral candidates in 2025, Wildstein, David, January 3, 2023, May 20, 2023, New Jersey Globe, He filed to run for election on October 31, 2023.NEWS, Racioppi, Dustin, Former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey, who resigned in scandal, seeks a comeback as mayor,weblink November 1, 2023, POLITICO, October 31, 2023,

Personal life

McGreevey has a daughter from his first marriage (1991–1997) to Canadian Karen Joan Schutz and another daughter from his second marriage to Portuguese-born Dina Matos.NEWS,weblink THE GOVERNOR RESIGNS: THE WIVES; With Discretion, Two Women Stand By the Governor in His Time of Tribulation, August 14, 2004, March 10, 2008, O'Donnell, Michelle, Collins, Glenn, The New York Times, When he resigned from office in 2004, McGreevey asserted that he had engaged in an adulterous affair with another man; he later stated that he had had an affair with Golan Cipel. Cipel has denied that an affair between the two men occurred.Matos and McGreevey separated after he revealed that he is gay, and in late 2005 McGreevey and Australian-American executive Mark O'Donnell began a relationship.NEWS,weblink A Governor's Confession: Love Conquers All, September 19, 2006, March 10, 2008, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The two lived in Plainfield, New Jersey.NEWS,weblink A Plainfield mansion for McGreevey and partner, June 24, 2006, March 11, 2008, Alexi, Friedman, The Star-Ledger, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20080705062229weblink">weblink July 5, 2008, NEWS,weblink THE WEEK; Custody Dispute Derails McGreevey Settlement, Capuzzo, Jill P, March 18, 2007, March 11, 2008, The New York Times, On March 14, 2007, the Associated Press reported that McGreevey was seeking custody of his younger daughter and filing for child support. Matos demanded $600,000 plus alimony.NEWS,weblink McGreevey Seeks Custody of Daughter, March 13, 2007, March 10, 2008, Associated Press, ABC News, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20080315113301weblink">weblink March 15, 2008, On August 8, the divorce was granted. McGreevey received joint custody and was directed to pay child support.NEWS,weblink Judge in N.J. grants McGreevey divorce, orders ex-governor to pay child support but no alimony, August 8, 2008, August 8, 2008, Associated Press, Chicago Tribune, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20080524055834weblink">weblink May 24, 2008, mdy-all, Matos was denied alimony. In her memoirs, Matos wrote that she would never have married McGreevey if she had known he was gay, nor would she have chosen to have a gay man father her child.NEWS,weblink I Was McG and Wife's Three-way Sex Stud: Ex-driver, March 17, 2008, March 17, 2008, MacIntosh, Jeanne, The New York Post,

See also

• List of the first LGBT holders of political offices in the United States

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

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• {{C-SPAN|49080}}
• Huge increase in released N.J. sex offenders is draining resources from other inmates, ex-governor says

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