He became the New Jersey Democratic State Chairman in 1997 after backing James E. McGreevey for governor in the Democratic primary that year.

Source: https://newjerseyglobe.com/trailblazer/the-end-of-an-era-the-story-of-tom-giblins-magnificent-political-career/

In becoming a candidate for mayor, McGreevey follows the lead of Jerry Brown, who served two terms as governor of California and then returned to office sixteen years later by winning the election as the mayor of Oakland.

Source: https://newjerseyglobe.com/local/stack-others-want-mcgreevey-to-run-for-jersey-city-mayor/