In a show of loyalty and confidence, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (D-Newark) has endorsed Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for governor, praising his transformative leadership in New Jersey’s largest city and his ability to tackle statewide challenges.
“I support Mayor Baraka as the next governor because I know he can get the job done,” said McIver. “I’ve seen him strengthen education here in the city, reduce crime, expand affordable housing, and create home ownership. I’ve seen him do transformational things here in the city, and I know he can do that for New Jersey.”
McIver, who represents parts of Essex, Union, and Hudson counties, has a long-standing relationship with Baraka. The three-term Newark mayor was her teacher and high school principal before mentoring her political career. McIver twice won the Central Ward seat on the Newark City Council on Baraka’s slate and served as Newark City Council President before her election to Congress.
McIver was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a September special election to fill the seat of the late Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark) and will begin her full two-year term next month.
“People are struggling, wages are still low, and we need a governor who understands that,” McIver added. “That’s why I support Mayor Baraka.”
Baraka, a leading progressive voice, is one of six Democrats vying for the party’s gubernatorial nomination. His campaign has gained traction among progressive leaders, with McIver becoming the second member of New Jersey’s congressional delegation to endorse him, following Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing), who announced her support in November.
The field also includes U.S. Representatives Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) and Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly), but Baraka is the first candidate to secure endorsements from congressional colleagues.
The Democratic primary is expected to be fiercely competitive as candidates seek to succeed term-limited Governor Phil Murphy. Baraka’s growing list of endorsements underscores his appeal among key Democratic constituencies, particularly in urban and progressive communities.
