A progressive mayor vying for NJ governor's seat may receive an unexpected lift from Trump
Newark’s Ras Baraka is challenging the Trump administration, gaining popularity in polls and generating enthusiasm among Democrats.
TroibNews 
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is positioning himself as a progressive candidate in the race for New Jersey's governorship, with help from President Donald Trump's actions.
As one of six candidates seeking the Democratic nomination in this pivotal election, Baraka stands out as one of the nation’s most progressive elected officials. He is intensifying his liberal platform and anti-Trump rhetoric to differentiate himself from his opponents, which seems to be working.
Baraka has secured second place in all county nominating conventions held thus far, indicating strong support among engaged Democrats. A recent public poll showed that he enjoys the highest favorability and name recognition among the group.
This rise in Baraka's visibility comes as the June primary approaches, where he faces a field of influential Democratic leaders, creating an environment perceived as wide open.
His continual criticism of Trump and the administration’s immigration policies appears to bolster his campaign. Baraka believes that many in his party are misjudging their response to the Trump presidency.
“I think that they’re playing into the national kind of sentiment, the Democratic sentiment that Trump has won and we need to placate him and move toward the middle,” Baraka stated in an interview. “I think that’s wrong — a losing strategy. I think it’s a losing strategy in New Jersey in November, and it’s a losing strategy in the country during the midterms.”
Unlike other candidates, Baraka is particularly affected by the administration’s early policies. His city has become a focal point for ICE actions, including the recently announced reopening of Delaney Hall, a private immigrant detention center. Baraka vehemently opposed this move, promising to fight it based on city permits.
“Three undocumented people were detained along with U.S. citizens and a military veteran,” Baraka recalled, condemning a recent ICE raid in Newark. This incident serves as a platform for his longstanding progressive beliefs: “If you supported immigrants, why didn’t you come stand with me when they raided the place in Newark?” he challenged his fellow candidates at a recent forum.
Baraka has vocally supported legislation aiming to restrict collaboration between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration agents, positioning himself as a leader on immigration issues at the state level.
“I think the silence of others is making him stand out,” commented Amy Torres, executive director of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice. “He is saying all the right things, he's doing all the right things in defense of his city as mayor. What he's saying as a candidate makes him stand out because everyone else is saying so little.”
However, Baraka’s strengths extend beyond his response to Trump. He has deep roots in Newark, having grown up in the city during the tumultuous aftermath of the 1967 riots, which were labeled a "rebellion" by his father, the renowned poet Amiri Baraka. After a career as a teacher and principal and a series of political runs, he secured his position as mayor in 2014.
Polling conducted recently indicates that Baraka enjoys strong name recognition and favorability ratings across New Jersey. A survey from Fairleigh Dickinson University found he ranks high among Democratic candidates on these metrics. While Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, and Rep. Mikie Sherrill all receive positive ratings from progressive voters, Baraka holds a slight edge.
His campaign is advocating for a range of leftist policies, including universal basic income, a public health care option, and an increase in the already high minimum wage of $15.49 per hour.
Dan Cassino, the poll's executive director, remarked on the unpredictability of the race: “If the primary electorate skews left, that’s a big advantage” for Baraka.
As Baraka entered the race last year, many saw him as a long shot against more established candidates like Sherrill and Rep. Josh Gottheimer. Sherrill, despite still being viewed as a frontrunner, faces challenges in this open field, particularly with changes to the county line ballot design that previously favored certain candidates.
Despite the evolving political landscape, Baraka has consistently finished in second place at county conventions, suggesting growing momentum. He has made strides in areas previously viewed as less favorable, like Essex County and among white voters.
Baraka’s campaign is harnessing these developments, announcing a substantial advertising investment that highlights their momentum: “This campaign is resonating with voters across New Jersey and is built to last.”
“He’s always been a better candidate than people gave him credit for,” said Democratic strategist Daniel Bryan. “It shouldn’t be a surprise for anyone that he’s been doing so well.”
November may present challenges for Baraka, as some Democrats express unease about his electability due to his progressive policies, especially with Republicans gaining ground in the state. He has not previously faced a Republican opponent in his mayoral races, and vulnerabilities in his record, including allegations of campaign finance violations, could surface in a general election.
Baraka is no stranger to adversity. His initial campaign for mayor in 2014 was hard-fought against a well-funded opponent with substantial backing.
“I was born an underdog,” Baraka reflected. “Every time we do this, we're gonna be the underdog. We don't have the money, we're not gonna have the party bosses. We don't have anything. We knew that when we got into this.”
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
As one of six candidates seeking the Democratic nomination in this pivotal election, Baraka stands out as one of the nation’s most progressive elected officials. He is intensifying his liberal platform and anti-Trump rhetoric to differentiate himself from his opponents, which seems to be working.
Baraka has secured second place in all county nominating conventions held thus far, indicating strong support among engaged Democrats. A recent public poll showed that he enjoys the highest favorability and name recognition among the group.
This rise in Baraka's visibility comes as the June primary approaches, where he faces a field of influential Democratic leaders, creating an environment perceived as wide open.
His continual criticism of Trump and the administration’s immigration policies appears to bolster his campaign. Baraka believes that many in his party are misjudging their response to the Trump presidency.
“I think that they’re playing into the national kind of sentiment, the Democratic sentiment that Trump has won and we need to placate him and move toward the middle,” Baraka stated in an interview. “I think that’s wrong — a losing strategy. I think it’s a losing strategy in New Jersey in November, and it’s a losing strategy in the country during the midterms.”
Unlike other candidates, Baraka is particularly affected by the administration’s early policies. His city has become a focal point for ICE actions, including the recently announced reopening of Delaney Hall, a private immigrant detention center. Baraka vehemently opposed this move, promising to fight it based on city permits.
“Three undocumented people were detained along with U.S. citizens and a military veteran,” Baraka recalled, condemning a recent ICE raid in Newark. This incident serves as a platform for his longstanding progressive beliefs: “If you supported immigrants, why didn’t you come stand with me when they raided the place in Newark?” he challenged his fellow candidates at a recent forum.
Baraka has vocally supported legislation aiming to restrict collaboration between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration agents, positioning himself as a leader on immigration issues at the state level.
“I think the silence of others is making him stand out,” commented Amy Torres, executive director of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice. “He is saying all the right things, he's doing all the right things in defense of his city as mayor. What he's saying as a candidate makes him stand out because everyone else is saying so little.”
However, Baraka’s strengths extend beyond his response to Trump. He has deep roots in Newark, having grown up in the city during the tumultuous aftermath of the 1967 riots, which were labeled a "rebellion" by his father, the renowned poet Amiri Baraka. After a career as a teacher and principal and a series of political runs, he secured his position as mayor in 2014.
Polling conducted recently indicates that Baraka enjoys strong name recognition and favorability ratings across New Jersey. A survey from Fairleigh Dickinson University found he ranks high among Democratic candidates on these metrics. While Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, and Rep. Mikie Sherrill all receive positive ratings from progressive voters, Baraka holds a slight edge.
His campaign is advocating for a range of leftist policies, including universal basic income, a public health care option, and an increase in the already high minimum wage of $15.49 per hour.
Dan Cassino, the poll's executive director, remarked on the unpredictability of the race: “If the primary electorate skews left, that’s a big advantage” for Baraka.
As Baraka entered the race last year, many saw him as a long shot against more established candidates like Sherrill and Rep. Josh Gottheimer. Sherrill, despite still being viewed as a frontrunner, faces challenges in this open field, particularly with changes to the county line ballot design that previously favored certain candidates.
Despite the evolving political landscape, Baraka has consistently finished in second place at county conventions, suggesting growing momentum. He has made strides in areas previously viewed as less favorable, like Essex County and among white voters.
Baraka’s campaign is harnessing these developments, announcing a substantial advertising investment that highlights their momentum: “This campaign is resonating with voters across New Jersey and is built to last.”
“He’s always been a better candidate than people gave him credit for,” said Democratic strategist Daniel Bryan. “It shouldn’t be a surprise for anyone that he’s been doing so well.”
November may present challenges for Baraka, as some Democrats express unease about his electability due to his progressive policies, especially with Republicans gaining ground in the state. He has not previously faced a Republican opponent in his mayoral races, and vulnerabilities in his record, including allegations of campaign finance violations, could surface in a general election.
Baraka is no stranger to adversity. His initial campaign for mayor in 2014 was hard-fought against a well-funded opponent with substantial backing.
“I was born an underdog,” Baraka reflected. “Every time we do this, we're gonna be the underdog. We don't have the money, we're not gonna have the party bosses. We don't have anything. We knew that when we got into this.”
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
