Council At-Large
Ira Guilford
Ira Guilford was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, where he developed a deep passion for sports, mentorship, and community development from an early age. As a standout student-athlete, he excelled both academically and athletically, earning recognition for his leadership and performance on the field. His dedication to football not only shaped his competitive mindset but also instilled a strong work ethic that would define his journey, earning over 40 scholarship offers and opting to accept an offer to play football at The Ohio State University.
Despite early success, Ira faced significant challenges in college, navigating personal struggles, academic pressure, and the transition from structured athletics to the uncertainties of adulthood. These obstacles ultimately reshaped his perspective, leading him to pivot from his original path to one centered on impact, resilience, and growth.
After college, Ira committed himself to youth development, becoming a strength and conditioning coach in 2010. Over the years, he worked with young athletes, helping them improve their physical performance while instilling life skills, discipline, and a mindset for success. Beyond training, he naturally stepped into a mentorship role, guiding many through personal and academic challenges, ensuring they had the tools to thrive beyond sports.
His passion for community development led him to open and operate his own training facility, where he provided a safe space for aspiring athletes to hone their skills while also offering educational and career guidance. However, as he worked closely with families, he recognized a crucial gap—many lacked financial literacy and a clear path to building generational wealth. Seeing this need, he made a strategic pivot into wealth management, bringing the same level of discipline, strategy, and leadership to financial empowerment as he had to athletics.
Today, Ira is a financial professional dedicated to helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate financial planning, investments, and long-term wealth-building strategies. Despite transitioning into finance, his commitment to youth remains unwavering. He continues to work closely with young athletes and students, providing mentorship, financial education, and access to resources that empower them to make informed decisions for their futures.
With a unique background bridging athletics, mentorship, and wealth management, Ira remains a powerful advocate for holistic success—developing both the mind and the financial foundation needed to create lasting impact. His mission is simple: to help people, particularly youth, gain the tools they need to win—not just in sports, but in life.
See the rest of the team →
Neighborhood safety and pedestrian protections
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Holding developers accountable
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Securing affordable housing
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Well lit streets for safer communities
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Investing in Jersey City Public Schools
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Neighborhood safety and pedestrian protections ★ Holding developers accountable ★ Securing affordable housing ★ Well lit streets for safer communities ★ Investing in Jersey City Public Schools ★
Contact Ira
“Growing up in Jersey City, I’ve experienced first-hand the lack of opportunities our kids have. My mentality was heavily influenced by my environment, and I sabotaged my own path due to ignorance. Later, I realized that young people here don’t have the information or the guidance to build a fulfilled and comfortable life for themselves and their families. That speaks to me, because I also grew up in a situation where I wasn’t in a position to do better. Our city needs to do more to give our youth safe streets, better recreational opportunities, exposure to good-paying jobs, and affordable housing. I’m excited to be running alongside Mussab Ali to build a better future for our kids.”
Frequently asked questions
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While this election is nonpartisan, aligning with the idea that our city's needs transcend party lines, I am proud to share that my values align closely with the Democratic Party. My commitment, however, is first and foremost to the people of Jersey City, to address our shared challenges and aspirations beyond partisan constraints.
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My campaign is people-powered, grounded in the belief that there's extraordinary strength in the collective support of our community members. We accept donations from individuals who share our vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable Jersey City. Transparency and ethics guide us, ensuring our mission remains untainted by special interests.
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Every donation fuels our grassroots campaign, directly supporting efforts to engage with residents, share our message, and ensure our community's voices are heard. This includes educational materials, community events, and the necessary tools to facilitate meaningful conversations about our city's future. It's about investing in a campaign that's truly by the people, for the people.
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Service to the community is the cornerstone of my journey. From advocating for quality education as JCBOE president, developing future leaders througe my non profit, and enhancing public safety and promoting economic development throughout my political career, my aim is to serve not just as a voice, but as an active participant in creating solutions. My service is rooted in collaboration, listening, and acting on the needs and aspirations of all Jersey City residents.
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My vision for Jersey City is a future where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. It's a city that embraces its diversity as its greatest strength, ensures affordable living for all, champions quality education, fosters safe and vibrant communities, supports local businesses, and commits to sustainable practices. Together, we can create a city that is not only prosperous but also inclusive, innovative, and resilient.
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You should vote for me because I embody the spirit of Jersey City — resilience, diversity, and community. My story is deeply interwoven with the fabric of our city, and my dedication to service has been proven through action. I bring a fresh perspective, grounded in lived experiences and a deep understanding of our city's challenges and potential. With me, you're not just electing a mayor; you're empowering a fellow resident committed to navigating our city toward a brighter, inclusive future for all.