Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Seeks Re-election

The Democratic mayor of Newark, New Jersey, who gained national attention last year after being arrested during an anti-ICE protest outside a federal detention center, is now campaigning for re-election.

Ras Baraka faced seven opponents in the recent election, securing over 50% of the votes needed, according to reports from the Associated Press. This victory allows Baraka to avoid a runoff in November, as he pursues a fourth term leading New Jersey’s largest city.

However, if he hadn’t achieved that majority, he would have had to compete against the second-place candidate in a runoff. So, it’s quite fortunate for him, I suppose.

Interestingly, while Baraka identifies as a Democrat, the mayoral race in Newark operates on a nonpartisan basis. Known for his progressive stance, he notably opposed the reopening of an ICE facility in Newark amid President Trump’s immigration policies.

On May 9, 2025, Baraka was arrested by ICE agents while trying to join a congressional tour of the facility, an incident that drew significant media coverage.

The charges linked to his arrest were dropped, and he subsequently ran for governor, placing second in the Democratic primary to Mikie Sherrill, who later won the gubernatorial race in New Jersey.