Who is nj mayor

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: The mayor of Newark, New Jersey is Ras Baraka, who was first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018 and 2022. He previously served as a Newark City Council member from 2010 to 2014 and as principal of Central High School. Baraka has focused on economic development, public safety, and education reform during his tenure.

Key Facts

Ras Baraka was first elected mayor of Newark in 2014 with 54% of the vote
He was re-elected in 2018 with 77% of the vote and in 2022 with 83% of the vote
Baraka previously served as a Newark City Council member from 2010 to 2014
He was principal of Central High School from 2007 to 2010
Newark has a population of approximately 311,000 residents as of 2023

Overview

Ras Baraka serves as the 40th mayor of Newark, New Jersey, having first taken office on July 1, 2014. His election marked a significant moment in Newark's political history, as he succeeded Cory Booker who had served from 2006 to 2013 before becoming a U.S. Senator. Baraka's administration has focused on addressing long-standing urban challenges while positioning Newark for economic revitalization and growth. The city, founded in 1666, has evolved from an industrial powerhouse to a diverse urban center facing both opportunities and obstacles.

Newark operates under a mayor-council form of government established by the Faulkner Act. The mayor serves as the chief executive officer of the city, overseeing municipal operations, proposing budgets, and implementing policies. Baraka's tenure has coincided with significant demographic shifts, with Newark's population stabilizing after decades of decline. His leadership style combines grassroots activism with pragmatic governance, reflecting his background as both an educator and community organizer.

How It Works

The mayor of Newark holds significant executive authority within the city's governmental structure.

Key Point 1: The mayor serves a four-year term with no term limits, as established by Newark's city charter. Baraka was first elected in 2014 with 54% of the vote, defeating opponent Shavar Jeffries in a closely watched election. He has since been re-elected twice, most recently in 2022 with 83% of the vote, demonstrating strong political support.
Key Point 2: The mayor oversees a municipal budget of approximately $1.2 billion annually, managing departments including police, fire, public works, and economic development. Baraka's administration has prioritized public safety investments, with the police department budget increasing by 15% since 2014 to address crime reduction initiatives.
Key Point 3: Executive powers include appointing department directors, negotiating labor contracts, and vetoing legislation passed by the Municipal Council. The mayor works with a nine-member council that must approve major appointments and the annual budget. Baraka has appointed over 50 department heads and commissioners during his tenure.
Key Point 4: The mayor represents Newark in regional, state, and national forums, advocating for resources and partnerships. Baraka serves on the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority and regularly engages with state officials on issues ranging from education funding to infrastructure development. His administration has secured over $500 million in state and federal grants since 2014.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Ras Baraka Administration	Previous Administration (Cory Booker)
Economic Development Focus	Neighborhood revitalization, small business support, affordable housing	Downtown development, corporate attraction, national recognition
Public Safety Approach	Community policing, violence intervention programs, police reform	Data-driven policing, surveillance technology, federal partnerships
Education Initiatives	Local control advocacy, community schools model, early childhood expansion	Charter school expansion, national education reform advocacy
Budget Size (Annual)	$1.2 billion (2023)	$750 million (2013)
Major Infrastructure Projects	Newark Water & Sewer upgrades, Complete Streets program, park renovations	Prudential Center arena, Riverfront Park development

Why It Matters

Impact 1: Baraka's leadership has contributed to Newark's economic resurgence, with over $3 billion in development projects initiated since 2014. The city has seen significant job growth, particularly in the healthcare, education, and technology sectors. Major projects include the $400 million Teachers Village development and the ongoing transformation of the former Bears Stadium site.
Impact 2: Public safety improvements under Baraka include a 30% reduction in violent crime since 2014, though challenges remain. The administration has implemented community policing strategies and violence intervention programs that have shown measurable results. The city's police force has grown to approximately 1,000 officers under his leadership.
Impact 3: Educational reforms have focused on regaining local control of Newark Public Schools, which occurred in 2018 after 22 years of state oversight. Baraka has advocated for increased funding and community-based approaches to education. The graduation rate in Newark high schools has increased from 69% in 2014 to 78% in 2022.

Looking forward, Baraka's administration faces ongoing challenges including affordable housing preservation, infrastructure modernization, and equitable economic development. The mayor has outlined ambitious goals for his current term, including expanding affordable housing by 3,000 units and reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. As Newark continues its transformation, Baraka's leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the city's future trajectory and addressing the needs of its diverse population of approximately 311,000 residents.