Ras Baraka, the mayor of Newark, was endorsed for governor by a group of Mercer County politicians on Wednesday.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the progressive Democrat received the support of Trenton Councilwoman Teska Frisby, Ewing Councilman Kevin Baxter, and Mercer County Commissioners Samuel Frisby and Terrance Stokes. Next Wednesday, Mercer County Democrats will convene at their convention to support a candidate for governor.
Commissioner Frisby stated in the statement that Mayor Baraka has lived through the challenges and spearheaded the effort to solve them, so he doesn’t merely talk about answers. Because he is more familiar with the issues that regular New Jerseyans face, he is also more likely to have answers. We need a leader who knows what it means to stand up for working families, from Newark to the statehouse.
Last year, Baraka received the endorsement of Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing), whose district includes seven municipalities in Mercer County. Baraka was also supported by the Rev. Dr. Charles Boyer, the founder of Salvation and Social Justice and the pastor of Trenton’s Greater Mount Zion A.M.E. Church.
As the governor contest picks up steam, the endorsements, according to Baraka’s campaign, represent the mayor’s momentum throughout the state.
Members of the Hunterdon committee supported Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) at the state’s inaugural Democratic convention on Sunday. Baraka received roughly 43% of the convention’s vote and came in second.
Democratic County Chair Janice Mironov, Mercer County Executive Dan Benson, Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler, Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami-Covello, and three county commissioners have all endorsed Sherrill.
Supporters of Baraka claimed that the mayor had demonstrated strong leadership in Newark and that, in his role as governor, he would support working families.
According to Stokes, no other candidate has been as battle-tested as Mayor Baraka. He has proven to be capable of fostering chances for development and harmony. Trenton needs someone with that kind of vision and determination.
