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.

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.

6 days ago · mayor ras j. baraka’s statement on ice raid on newark business establishment ← Back to News overview “Today, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided a local establishment in the City of Newark, detaining undocumented residents as well as citizens, without producing a warrant.

Newark, NJ – January 15, 2025 – Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Newark Office of Homeless Services Director Luis Ulerio welcomed collaboration partners and dignitaries at a press conference today to launch the expanded outreach program for Newark’s street homeless as part of the mayor’s three-year “The Path Home” initiative. The press conference was held at …

5 days ago · Ras Baraka, mayor of Newark, N.J., speaks during a Senate Environment and Public Works subcommittee hearing, Tuesday, April 5, 2022, on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Feb 20, 2024 · At a Black History Month event Monday night, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka said, "I want to be the governor of the state of New Jersey." Baraka made the announcement with influential...

On March 12, 2024, Mayor Ras J. Baraka delivered his 10 th State-of-the-City address, “Newark and Proud of It.” The accomplishments Mayor Baraka highlighted during his speech included securing $2.7M in private and state funds to support the Summer Youth Improvement Program, the reallocation of funds to help 69 families avoid eviction, a 43% ...

Sep 30, 2024 · How the mayor of Newark is working to revive his city. Baraka is known for both assiduous data analysis and in-person exhortation. He tells constituents, “Stop waiting for stuff to happen for...

Feb 20, 2024 · Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka intends to run for New Jersey governor, his press secretary told NJ Advance Media on Tuesday. In a speech at a Black History month event Monday night,...

May 10, 2022 · Ras Baraka is the Mayor of Newark in New Jersey. He assumed office on July 1, 2014. His current term ends on June 30, 2026. Baraka (Democratic Party) is running for election for Governor of New Jersey. He declared candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled on June 10, 2025. [source] Mayoral elections in Newark are nonpartisan.