Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has officially received an endorsement from the Black Men Vote PAC for the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial race. This endorsement is seen as a big step in his political journey, especially as the state prepares for a highly watched election.
The Black Men Vote Political Action Committee is a national group that focuses on increasing political engagement among Black men. It’s known for supporting candidates who align with issues important to Black communities, like criminal justice reform, affordable housing, better education, and equal job opportunities. By backing Ras Baraka, the group is showing strong confidence in his leadership and his long-standing commitment to the people of Newark and beyond.
Baraka is already well-known for his grassroots work and for being deeply involved in community development efforts. Since becoming mayor of Newark in 2014, he has led several programs aimed at helping underserved communities. These include improving access to quality education, expanding affordable housing, investing in local businesses, and creating better policing practices to build trust between law enforcement and residents.
With this endorsement, Baraka now gains not just local support, but also a wider platform across the state and country. Black Men Vote PAC has a strong presence in many cities and works to increase voter turnout through digital campaigns, community events, and educational resources. Their support could play a significant role in helping Baraka connect with voters in other parts of New Jersey, especially young Black voters who are looking for a candidate that speaks directly to their concerns.
In a statement released by the PAC, the group said they believe Baraka’s leadership reflects the kind of bold, people-first politics they want to see more of. “Mayor Baraka is someone who doesn’t just talk about the issues – he works on the ground, side-by-side with communities, to solve them,” the statement read. “We believe he represents the kind of future New Jersey deserves.”
Baraka also responded with appreciation, saying this endorsement means a lot to him. He said he’s proud to stand with a group that’s focused on raising the voices of Black men and pushing for real change. He added that the race for governor is not just about him—it’s about giving working families, young people, and communities of color the support and opportunities they deserve.
The upcoming race is expected to be competitive, as current Governor Phil Murphy has reached his term limit and will be stepping down. With the seat open, many Democrats are considering entering the race, and Baraka’s name has been on the list of potential front-runners. His experience, especially as the mayor of New Jersey’s largest city, gives him a strong foundation to appeal to a broad range of voters.
Over the years, Baraka has built a reputation as a hands-on leader who takes on tough challenges. For example, when Newark was dealing with a major lead contamination crisis in its water supply, Baraka worked with state and federal agencies to secure funding, replace lead pipes, and launch awareness campaigns to protect public health. His quick action and transparency during that crisis earned him respect from both residents and experts.
He also worked to reduce crime by supporting community-based policing strategies and investing in youth programs to keep young people engaged and away from violence. These programs have helped improve safety in several neighborhoods and built trust between residents and the police.
Baraka’s campaign, if officially launched soon, is expected to focus on uniting communities across the state, with an emphasis on equity, justice, and opportunity. His track record as a progressive mayor and now the endorsement from a major PAC could help boost his name recognition in suburban and rural areas as well.
New Jersey’s political landscape is diverse, with both urban and rural interests playing a role in state elections. While Democratic candidates usually perform well in cities, building connections in smaller towns and suburbs is also important. Endorsements like this one can give Baraka a wider reach, especially through the PAC’s strong digital presence and community outreach.
With the support of Black Men Vote, Baraka could also energize a key segment of the voting base—Black male voters who often feel left out of traditional campaigns. By working together, Baraka and the PAC can push forward conversations about how to solve real-life problems like student debt, racial bias in policing, and barriers to economic growth.
The endorsement marks an early but important step in the 2025 race. While more candidates are expected to announce their plans in the coming months, Baraka’s early momentum shows that he is already making strong moves to build a statewide coalition. Whether or not he becomes the final nominee, this moment signals that his leadership and message are being taken seriously not just in Newark, but across the entire state.
Baraka has not yet officially announced his candidacy, but all signs point toward a likely campaign. With support from a group like Black Men Vote and his deep ties to local communities, he could very well become a major voice in the coming election. As things continue to unfold, voters in New Jersey will be watching closely to see how his potential campaign shapes the conversation and the future of the state.
