Mayor Ras Baraka is making a bold bet on progressivism in the highly competitive race for New Jersey governor. While he is one of the most progressive Democrats in the nation, an unexpected factor seems to be aiding his campaign: former President Donald Trump.
Baraka, who has served as Newark’s mayor since 2014, is among six Democratic candidates vying for the gubernatorial nomination in the upcoming June primary. His unapologetically progressive stance, combined with his vocal opposition to Trump’s policies, has distinguished him from the crowded field.
Recent polling and county convention results indicate that Baraka’s strategy is resonating with Democratic voters. A Fairleigh Dickinson University survey found that he has the highest name recognition and favorability among the candidates. Moreover, his second-place finishes in every county nominating convention so far suggest that he has strong support among the party’s most engaged voters.
Baraka’s Anti-Trump Strategy and Its Impact
Baraka’s repeated criticism of Trump and his administration’s policies—particularly on immigration—appears to be energizing his campaign.
“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 said 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 Democratic candidates who are positioning themselves as moderates, Baraka has made his opposition to Trump’s policies central to his campaign. His outspokenness on issues such as immigration, social justice, and economic inequality has gained him attention from progressive organizations and voters alike.
Immigration Controversies and Baraka’s Role
Late last month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced plans to reopen Delaney Hall, a privately owned immigrant detention facility in Newark. Baraka was quick to condemn the move, vowing to challenge the reopening based on city permitting regulations.
This isn’t the first time Baraka has clashed with federal immigration authorities. In January, he publicly denounced an ICE raid on a Newark business, where three undocumented immigrants, U.S. citizens, and even a military veteran were detained. Baraka has since used this incident as a rallying point for his campaign, highlighting his unwavering commitment to immigrant rights.
Amy Torres, executive director of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, praised Baraka for his stance. “The silence of others is making him stand out,” Torres said. “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.”
Baraka’s Background and Progressive Credentials
Baraka’s deep-rooted ties to Newark and his progressive values have helped shape his campaign’s message. The son of renowned poet and activist Amiri Baraka, he grew up in the city after the 1967 riots and has since dedicated his career to public service.
A former teacher and principal, Baraka first gained political attention through his community activism. His speeches and lectures even made their way onto Lauryn Hill’s critically acclaimed album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
His political career, however, has been far from smooth. He faced multiple failed attempts at public office before becoming a council member and eventually winning the mayoral race in 2014. His perseverance has made him a well-known figure in New Jersey politics, and his progressive policies—such as advocating for a universal basic income and a public healthcare option—align with his left-wing platform in the governor’s race.
Polling and Convention Performance: A Rising Contender
Despite being considered an underdog early on, Baraka has defied expectations. The Fairleigh Dickinson University poll placed him at the top in terms of name recognition and favorability, particularly among progressive voters.
His second-place finishes in all six county conventions thus far suggest that he is gaining momentum. His performance in both North and South Jersey conventions has solidified his status as a strong competitor, even against well-established candidates like Representative Mikie Sherrill and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney.
Democratic strategist Daniel Bryan remarked, “He’s always been a better candidate than people gave him credit for. It shouldn’t be a surprise for anyone that he’s been doing so well.”
Challenges Ahead: Can Baraka Win the General Election?
While Baraka’s progressive stance has energized Democratic voters, some party members worry that his policies may make him less electable in the general election. New Jersey has seen Republican gains in recent years, and some analysts believe that a more moderate Democrat may have a better chance of winning in November.
Additionally, Baraka has never run against a Republican opponent before, as Newark’s mayoral races are technically nonpartisan. His record, including past allegations of campaign finance violations, may also come under greater scrutiny as the race progresses.
Despite these challenges, Baraka remains confident. “I was born an underdog,” he stated. “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.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ras Baraka’s key policies?
Baraka supports a universal basic income, a public healthcare option, and raising New Jersey’s already high minimum wage. He is also a strong advocate for immigrant rights and criminal justice reform.
How has Donald Trump inadvertently helped Baraka’s campaign?
Baraka’s vocal opposition to Trump’s policies, particularly on immigration, has energized progressive voters. His clashes with ICE and the Trump administration have highlighted his commitment to liberal values, setting him apart from other Democratic candidates.
Who are Baraka’s main competitors in the race?
His primary opponents include Representative Mikie Sherrill, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney. While Sherrill is considered the frontrunner, Baraka’s rising support could make the race more competitive.
Can Baraka win the general election?
Baraka’s progressive policies may be popular in the Democratic primary, but some party members worry that they could hurt his chances in a general election, where he would face a Republican challenger.
What impact has the elimination of the county line ballot design had on the race?
The removal of the county line system has made this race more unpredictable. Without county party leaders having the ability to influence ballot positioning, candidates must rely more on grassroots support and campaign strategy.
Conclusion
Ras Baraka’s unexpected rise in the New Jersey gubernatorial race demonstrates the power of progressive values in the Democratic Party. His opposition to Trump, strong polling numbers, and solid performance in county conventions indicate that he is a serious contender.
While challenges remain—especially in a potential general election matchup against a Republican—Baraka’s campaign is gaining traction. Whether his progressive policies will lead him to victory remains to be seen, but his candidacy is already reshaping the conversation in New Jersey politics.
As the primary approaches, all eyes will be on Baraka to see if his grassroots support can propel him past his more established competitors. If he secures the nomination, New Jersey’s gubernatorial race will become a fascinating battle between progressivism and more centrist Democratic strategies.
