If you’re walking down Broad Street or grabbing a bite in the Ironbound, you might hear his name mentioned as a visionary, a poet, or just "the Mayor." Ras J. Baraka is currently the 40th Mayor of Newark, New Jersey. He has held the office since 2014, steering the state's largest city through a decade of pretty radical transformation.
It’s not just about the title, though. To understand who is the mayor of Newark NJ, you have to look at the guy's DNA. He isn't some corporate transplant. Baraka is a Newark native, through and through. His father was the legendary poet and activist Amiri Baraka, which explains why the mayor himself often sounds more like a philosopher than a typical suit-and-tie politician.
The Man in the Office: Ras Baraka’s Path
Most people know him as the mayor, but he was a high school principal first. He ran Central High School back in the day. That educator background shows up in how he talks about policy—it’s always about the "long game."
He didn't just stumble into City Hall. He climbed the ladder.
- Member of the Newark Municipal Council (South Ward) from 2010 to 2014.
- Deputy Mayor under Sharpe James in the early 2000s.
- Elected Mayor in 2014, beating out Shavar Jeffries in a high-stakes race.
Baraka has won three consecutive terms. His most recent victory in 2022 was basically a landslide, where he pulled in over 80% of the vote against Sheila Montague. People in Newark clearly like what he’s doing, or at the very least, they trust his vision more than the alternatives.
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What Has He Actually Done for Newark?
Talk is cheap in Jersey politics. Everyone wants to know the results. Baraka’s tenure has been defined by some massive swings at big problems.
The crime rate is the one everyone talks about. Under his watch, Newark hit crime lows that haven't been seen in sixty years. He didn't do it with just "tough on crime" rhetoric, either. He treats violence like a public health issue. He started the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery, which basically treats the trauma behind the trigger before the violence happens. It’s been so successful that even former President Barack Obama came to town to highlight it as a national model.
Then there’s the lead pipe thing.
Remember the water crisis? It was bad. But Newark managed to replace 23,000 lead service lines in less than three years. Most cities take decades to do that. They did it for free for the residents. That’s a huge win for a city that has historically been ignored by the powers that be in Trenton and D.C.
A New Chapter: The 2025 Governor's Race
Here’s where it gets interesting. Ras Baraka recently took a shot at the big seat. He ran in the 2025 Democratic primary for Governor of New Jersey. He didn't win—Mikie Sherrill took that nomination and eventually the governorship—but his campaign changed the conversation. He brought "urban issues" to the suburbs.
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Even though he lost the primary in June 2025, he remains the Mayor of Newark. His current term runs through June 30, 2026. This means we’re entering a bit of a "lame duck" period, but if you know Baraka, you know he isn't just going to sit in his office and wait for the clock to run out.
Why the Mayor of Newark NJ Matters Beyond the City
Newark is the economic engine of New Jersey. If Newark fails, the state struggles. Baraka has pushed for things like Guaranteed Basic Income and "Hire. Buy. Live. Newark," which tries to get the big corporations like Prudential and Rutgers to actually hire people who live in the city.
He’s also a bit of a celebrity. Seriously. You can hear his voice on the intro to the Fugees' The Score and throughout Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. He’s a published poet. How many mayors can say they’ve been on a Grammy-winning album?
Honestly, his style is polarizing for some. Critics say development in the downtown area hasn't reached the wards fast enough. Others think he’s too progressive. But in a city like Newark, which has survived riots, corruption scandals (we don't talk about Sharpe James enough), and systemic poverty, Baraka represents a kind of stability that’s rare.
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Looking Ahead to the 2026 Election
Since Baraka’s term is winding down in 2026, the rumor mill is already spinning. Who comes next? Because there are no term limits in Newark, he could technically run again, but after a gubernatorial run, many think he might be looking toward a different future.
Keep an eye on the Newark City Council. Names like Council President C. Lawrence Crump or West Ward Councilman Dupré Kelly (yes, "Doitall" from the hip-hop group Lords of the Underground) are always in the mix. Newark politics is a contact sport. It’s never boring.
Summary of Key Facts
- Current Mayor: Ras J. Baraka (40th Mayor).
- Assumed Office: July 1, 2014.
- Next Election: May 2026.
- Known For: Lead pipe replacement, violence prevention, and his background as a poet/educator.
- Political Affiliation: Democrat (though Newark elections are nonpartisan).
If you need to contact the Mayor's office for city services or to voice an opinion, they’re located at City Hall on 920 Broad Street. You can usually reach them at 973-733-6400.
Whether you love his policies or think the city needs a new direction, there's no denying that Ras Baraka has left a massive footprint on Newark. He took a city that was often the punchline of jokes and turned it into a case study for urban revival. What happens in the 2026 election will determine if that momentum continues or if Newark shifts gears once again.
Actionable Steps for Newark Residents:
- Check Your Ward: Visit the Newark City website to find out which council member represents your specific neighborhood.
- Register to Vote: The May 2026 municipal election will be here sooner than you think. Ensure your registration is active through the Essex County Clerk.
- Attend a Council Meeting: They’re held at City Hall and are the best way to see how the Mayor’s agenda actually gets funded and debated.