Ras Jua Baraka (born April 9, 1969 [1] [2] or 1970 [3] [4]) is an American politician, author, and educator. A member of the Democratic Party, Baraka is the 40th and current mayor of Newark, New Jersey. First elected in the 2014 election, he was sworn into office on May 13, 2014, [5] and was reelected in 2018 and 2022.

Ras J. Baraka is the 40th Mayor of the City of Newark. A native of Newark, whose family has lived in the City for more than 80 years, Mayor Baraka’s progressive approach to governing has won him accolades from grassroots organizations to the White House.

Ras Baraka, the current mayor of New Jersey’s largest city, is deeply invested in the future of New Jersey and holds a steadfast belief in its potential. As he pursues the governorship, Baraka’s vision for the state is anchored in the core values of equity, opportunity, and community.

2 days ago · Ras Baraka has hired Bill Hyers, a top political consultant and grassroots organizing veteran who helped elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to Congress and. ... “This is a pivotal moment for New Jersey and our nation, and I’m honored to join a campaign that champions Democratic values, fights for working families, and puts people – not the ...

Jan 24, 2025 · Mayor Ras Baraka said he was "appalled" and "angry" and blasted ICE for also detaining U.S. citizens, including a veteran. ICE said citizens may be questioned during an investigation.

Jan 3, 2025 · Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has raised a substantial $1.146 million for his bid for the Democratic nomination for governor and has brought in enough to qualify for matching funds under the state’s gubernatorial public financing program. Baraka raised $497,000 during the fourth quarter of 2024, and has $505,000 cash-on-hand.

Mar 25, 2024 · Ras Baraka couldn’t be less like Ron DeSantis or Greg Abbott. A Black Democrat raised by activist poets, he is the mayor of New Jersey’s largest city, Newark, and proclaimed it a sanctuary...

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka laid out his "vision for New Jersey" on Tuesday at Rowan University, one day after officially announcing his run for governor. The Democratic mayor confirmed his words and marked his stamp of approval as he joined the gubernatorial race.

Feb 22, 2024 · Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is charting out an unabashedly progressive lane in the primary to succeed Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, eschewing what he described as incremental centrist politics.

3 days ago · Newark Mayor Ras Baraka announced tonight that he will run for governor in 2025, becoming the third Democrat to join the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy. Baraka launched his campaign in Trenton at a Black History Month event honoring Divine 9 organizations at the War Memorial’s Patriots Theater.