A major coalition of progressive unions and groups in New Jersey have united to endorse Ras Baraka for the role of Governor, marking a significant endorsement in the state's electoral landscape. Among the endorsing entities are Rutgers AAUP-AFT, 32BJ SEIU, New Jersey Citizen Action, Make the Road Action New Jersey, New Jersey Working Families Party, and Workers United LDFS Joint Board. They have come together to support Baraka in a significant show of unity.
New Jersey Citizen Action's Executive Director, Dena Mottola Jaborska, remarked: “New Jerseyans face a grave affordability crisis, with health care, utility, and in particular housing costs continuing to spiral out of control. Ras Baraka stands as the best choice from a field of talented candidates to address this crisis. His commitment to uplifting working families, to economic reinvestments in hard-hit communities, and to sweeping reforms geared towards revitalizing affordable housing will ensure we build a New Jersey where everyone can thrive, not just the wealthy or politically connected.”
Antoinette Miles, State Director of New Jersey Working Families Party, also stated: “We’re proud to be a part of this unprecedented joint endorsement of Ras Baraka for Governor. New Jersey Working Families Party defeated the corrupt county line system, so we know exactly what it takes to win and reshape the halls of power in Trenton. We’ve worked with Ras since his first Mayoral run, and we’ll be going all in to help him win and deliver transformational policies that will bring down costs for working families.”
Ana Maria Hill, Vice President and New Jersey District Director of 32BJ SEIU, added: “We are inspired and energized to co-endorse Mayor Ras Baraka for Governor of New Jersey alongside a coalition that has the people power, know-how, and acumen to win this historic election in November. Mayor Baraka has joined our predominantly Black and brown 32BJ SEIU members on the picket line, stood up to employers who disrespect working families, and passed legislation to improve the lives of essential workers struggling with rising costs.”
Rebecca Givan from the AAUP-AFT union chapter at Rutgers University emphasized the importance of leadership amid external political pressures: “The Trump administration is disrupting—or canceling outright—life-saving biomedical research, attacking initiatives to promote democratic values, and terrorizing the most vulnerable students and scholars on our campuses. The 6,000 educators and researchers we represent at Rutgers are keenly aware of these dire threats. We're convinced Ras Baraka can do this like no other Democratic candidate. Our union is proud to support him for governor.”
Representing Make the Road Action New Jersey, Nedia Morsy commented: “The road to victory in November runs through working class communities and voters of color. To turn the tides of voter apathy, we need a strong champion. Mayor Baraka is that champion.”
Baraka himself expressed gratitude for the coalition’s endorsement. “I am deeply humbled by this historic show of unity from New Jersey’s most progressive labor unions and advocacy organizations. This coalition’s endorsement is bigger than any one campaign - it’s a movement to transform our state from the ground up. To meet this moment, we must do it shoulder to shoulder. United — not divided — we will fight for working families, challenge entrenched power and build a New Jersey that puts people before politics.”
Historically, Baraka has positioned himself as a leader against political insiders and corporate interests. His tenure as Mayor of Newark is marked by a focus on reducing crime through community-based interventions, tackling homelessness, and advancing affordable housing projects. Baraka seeks to translate these efforts into statewide initiatives in New Jersey's governance.
The coalition plans to actively campaign and mobilize support for Baraka in both the Democratic primary and the general election in November. A rally is scheduled to take place to showcase their support.
