Incumbent
Ras J. Baraka
Newark Mayor winner?
$8.9K
MAY 13, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Overview
Current roleMayor
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age56 years old (Apr 9, 1970)
GenderMale
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LocationNew Jersey
BackgroundPolitician
EducationHoward University (B.A., Political Science)
Notable personal detailsRas Jua Baraka is an American politician, educator, and author who has served as the 40th mayor of Newark, New Jersey since July 1, 2014. He previously served on the Newark Municipal Council and worked in Newark Public Schools, including as principal of Central High School. He earned a B.A. in political science from Howard University and an M.A. in education supervision from Saint Peter's University. He is the son of poet and activist Amiri Baraka and poet Amina Baraka.
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Positions
Economy & Taxes
Ras J. Baraka proposes raising taxes on the state’s highest earners and restructuring income tax brackets to generate about $2 billion annually, while cutting rates for many middle-income earners and funding expanded public programs and investments. His platform emphasizes greater revenue from wealthy individuals and large corporations to support public services, transit, housing, and anti-poverty measures.
Healthcare
Supports major public expansions of healthcare including single-payer/Medicare for All and discussion of public-option approaches; advocates expanding Medicaid and protecting public hospital services. Positions emphasize reducing out-of-pocket costs and opposing privatization of community healthcare institutions.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate supports sanctuary-style protections for immigrants, opposes federal immigration enforcement tactics (including warrantless ICE raids and private detention centers), and has taken executive and legal actions to limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. He has publicly protested and sued to block an immigration detention facility in Newark and expanded municipal protections and services for residents regardless of immigration status.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports abortion and reproductive care as a fundamental right and called for preserving Roe v. Wade and fighting efforts to restrict abortion access; describes reproductive care as part of healthcare and bodily autonomy.
Climate & Energy
Supports ambitious climate action and environmental justice, advocating a transition to a zero-carbon economy, city climate action planning, and major local clean-energy and sustainability initiatives. As mayor has advanced Newark’s climate action plan, green infrastructure programs, tree-planting and clean-energy projects and has signed national mayoral letters urging federal investment in a green, equitable recovery.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports strong gun-safety measures including bans on assault-style weapons and large-capacity magazines, universal (national) gun laws to restrict access, and programs to remove illegal guns from streets alongside prevention and enforcement efforts.
Endorsements
Endorsers of Ras J. Baraka for Newark Mayor winner?
Democratic Mayors Association
Elected official
Democratic Mayors Association endorsed Ras J. Baraka for reelection as mayor of Newark, New Jersey.
Assemblywoman Shanique Speight
Public figure
Assemblywoman Shanique Speight endorsed Ras J. Baraka, Team Baraka, and Council At-Large candidate Josephine Garcia.
RWDSU Local 108
Elected official
RWDSU Local 108 endorsed Ras J. Baraka for reelection as mayor of Newark.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
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