Ras Baraka — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Serves as the 40th and current Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, first elected in 2014 and reelected in 2018 and 2022.
Previously served on the Municipal Council of Newark and as Deputy Mayor.
Was principal of Central High School from 2007 to 2013 and previously worked as a school teacher.
Edited the 1992 book 'In the Tradition: An Anthology of Young Black Writers' and dedicated his poetry collection 'Black Girls Learn Love Hard' to his late sister.
Holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Howard University and a Master of Arts in education supervision from Saint Peter's University.

Biography

Ras Jua Baraka is the 40th and current Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, a position he has held since his initial election in 2014. He was reelected in both 2018 and 2022. A member of the Democratic Party, Baraka previously served on the Municipal Council of Newark and as Deputy Mayor from 2002 to 2005. He also sought the Democratic nomination for governor of New Jersey in the 2025 election.

Prior to his mayoral tenure, Baraka had a career in education.