Newark Lawsuit Alleges Sexual Harassment by Mayor Ras Baraka and Police Officials
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka endorsed Mikie Sherrill in the closely watched governor’s race this week, changing New Jersey politics. Months after a heated campaign, the two Democrats’ support shows party unity before November.
Sherrill and Baraka first appeared together in Newark’s Zion Hill Baptist Church following their rivalry. Baraka, popular in New Jersey’s largest city, offered to gather his followers to help Sherrill defeat Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Baraka said beating Republicans in November is his top objective, despite his policy disagreements with Sherrill.
Baraka assured the gathering, “I will fight and organize to make sure she becomes our next governor,” promising to resolve their differences after the election. He underlined Democratic unity in a year when a Republican endorsed by former President Donald Trump presents a huge challenge.
Sherrill, who represents New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, congratulated Baraka and detailed Democrats’ November goals. She urged followers to vote in November and said the party only loses if it splits. Sherrill believes Democrats must unite and energize to win.
As mayor of Newark and progressive coalition leader, Baraka’s endorsement important. Herrill was a moderate in the primaries, while Baraka and Fulop ran left. Baraka’s backing of Sherrill may unite moderate and progressive Democrats against Ciattarelli.
Baraka also considers support timing. Early this year, federal immigration officers arrested him at a Newark detention facility but dropped charges, making global news. He became a crucial electoral figure by supporting Sherrill.
More Sherrill contrasts Ciattarelli. She chastised him for supporting harsher immigration enforcement and rejecting the state’s Immigrant Trust Directive, which prevents local police from civilly cooperating with federal immigration agents. Sherrill said such steps would align Ciattarelli with Trump’s objectives rather than benefit New Jersey communities.
Recent polls show Sherrill’s pros and downsides. Fairleigh Dickinson revealed she leads Ciattarelli among Black voters, but her rate is lower than Democrats’ traditionally high rate. Baraka’s endorsements may be crucial. Sherrill chose Centenary University president Dale Caldwell, son of a civil rights pioneer, as her lieutenant governor running mate to broaden her appeal. It was an attempt to broaden her coalition and engage more people.
Republicans quickly denigrated Baraka’s support. State GOP criticized Sherrill for backing Baraka’s “radical record.” Ciattarelli has used education and diversity programs to win over independent voters and civil rights groups by targeting Democratic support among voters of color.
Sherrill and Baraka in Newark show Democrats’ solidarity in a tough contest. As November approaches, Sherrill urged Democrats against complacency and disunity. She intends to gain urban and minority voters and statewide momentum with Baraka’s help.
Last voter appeal by Sherrill and Baraka will be watched. The endorsement depends on whether New Jersey Democrats can unite and defeat Republicans in a carefully watched governor’s contest.
Sources
U.S. District Court filing (Ciesla v. City of Newark et al.)
Newark Corporation Counsel statement
Public remarks by attorney John C. Luke Jr.
