RAS BARAKA
For Governor of New Jersey
ABOUT RAS BARAKA
Ras J. Baraka, born on April 9, 1970, in Newark, New Jersey, is the 40th Mayor of Newark, a role he has held since 2014. His family has deep roots in the city, with over 80 years of history in Newark. Baraka pursued higher education at Howard University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1991. He furthered his studies by obtaining a Master of Arts in Education Supervision from St. Peter's University in 1994. Before his mayoral tenure, Baraka served as the principal of Newark's Central High School from 2007 to 2013. His political career includes positions on the Newark Municipal Council, representing both the South Ward and as an at-large member. As mayor, Baraka has implemented progressive policies that have garnered recognition from grassroots organizations to national platforms. His administration has achieved significant milestones, including reducing crime rates to their lowest levels in five decades, addressing housing affordability while maintaining steady growth, lowering unemployment, restoring local control of schools after more than two decades, and replacing all 23,000 known lead service lines in less than three years at no cost to residents. In February 2024, Baraka announced his candidacy for Governor of New Jersey in the 2025 election. His campaign emphasizes a progressive overhaul of the state's policies, focusing on initiatives such as reparations, sanctuary state laws, baby bonds, and universal basic income. Baraka's leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in community engagement and social justice, reflecting his lifelong commitment to the city of Newark and its residents.
ABOUT RAS BARAKA
Ras J. Baraka, born on April 9, 1970, in Newark, New Jersey, is the 40th Mayor of Newark, a role he has held since 2014. His family has deep roots in the city, with over 80 years of history in Newark.
Baraka pursued higher education at Howard University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1991. He furthered his studies by obtaining a Master of Arts in Education Supervision from St. Peter's University in 1994.
Before his mayoral tenure, Baraka served as the principal of Newark's Central High School from 2007 to 2013. His political career includes positions on the Newark Municipal Council, representing both the South Ward and as an at-large member.
As mayor, Baraka has implemented progressive policies that have garnered recognition from grassroots organizations to national platforms. His administration has achieved significant milestones, including reducing crime rates to their lowest levels in five decades, addressing housing affordability while maintaining steady growth, lowering unemployment, restoring local control of schools after more than two decades, and replacing all 23,000 known lead service lines in less than three years at no cost to residents.
In February 2024, Baraka announced his candidacy for Governor of New Jersey in the 2025 election. His campaign emphasizes a progressive overhaul of the state's policies, focusing on initiatives such as reparations, sanctuary state laws, baby bonds, and universal basic income.
Baraka's leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in community engagement and social justice, reflecting his lifelong commitment to the city of Newark and its residents.
ON ISSUES
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Investing in Black, brown, and women-owned businesses, with over $200 million already invested in Newark.
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Attracting up to 1,000 new businesses to drive economic growth and job creation.
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Closing the state budget deficit through progressive taxation, ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share.
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Expanding vocational training and apprenticeship programs to create career pathways for all residents.
Affordable & Sustainable Housing
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Close the 200,000-unit affordable housing gap to ensure more families have stable homes.
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Convert renters into homeowners by using Section 8 vouchers for home purchases.
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Reduce homelessness, following his Newark model that cut street homelessness by 57%.
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Expand tenant protections to prevent unfair evictions and price gouging.
economic growth & job creation
Public Safety & Criminal Justice Reform
Education & Workforce Development
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Expand vocational training and apprenticeship programs to better prepare students for high-paying jobs.
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Make college more affordable by increasing financial aid and public university funding.
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Strengthen public schools by ensuring adequate funding and support for teachers.
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Return more schools to local control, following his success in Newark.
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Reducing crime to its lowest level in 60 years through innovative, community-based safety programs.
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Investing in mental health and substance abuse services to address crime at its roots.
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Expanding community-based policing initiatives, ensuring a safer and more just New Jersey.
Fixing the State Budget
Healthcare as a Human Right
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Controlling healthcare costs through reference-based pricing.
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Expanding the Office of Healthcare Affordability and Transparency to monitor pricing and protect patients.
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Laying the groundwork for a state Medicare-for-All system, ensuring universal healthcare for all residents.
Transportation & Infrastructure
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Implement progressive taxation on the top 1% and expand the corporate business tax.
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Generate revenue to invest in education, housing, and public safety initiatives.
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Expanding NJ Transit infrastructure to improve service and accessibility.
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Investing in green transportation initiatives, reducing emissions and improving air quality.
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Funding public transit improvements to ensure affordability and efficiency for daily commuters.
donations
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