Newark Mayor Ras Baraka endorsed a slate of progressive Piscataway council candidates in their bid against incumbents in the town.
The duel between the progressive challengers and the party-backed incumbents has brought in a flurry of statewide aid, and Baraka is the latest left-leaning figure to back the progressives. The candidates, Shantell Cherry, Elizabeth “Betsy” Aumack, Viola Stone, and Rashaad Couloote, are looking to take control of the council, and are running with the backing of the Piscataway Progressive Democratic Organization.
The PPDO endorsed Baraka during his gubernatorial run last year, and he finished second in the Democratic primary.
The Working Families Party also endorsed the PPDO slate.
The progressive slate is challenging a batch of incumbents: Michele Lombardi, Sharon Carmichael, Frank Uhrin, and Dennis Espinosa. Gov. Mikie Sherrill endorsed the quartet on Thursday, and Senator Cory Booker and Rep. Frank Pallone (D-Long Branch) previously endorsed them.
Over in Perth Amboy, Sherrill announced her endorsement of incumbent Councilmembers Milady Tejeda, Kenneth Puccio, and Hailey Cruz Batista in the Democratic primary. They face challenges from attorney Kenneth Gonzalez, former school board Vice President Junior Iglesia, and retired educator Lisa Nanton.
“I’m endorsing Milady Tejeda, Kenneth Puccio, and Hailey Cruz Batista for City Council because Perth Amboy families deserve strong leaders who deliver for residents,” Sherrill said. “With a record of improving infrastructure, investing in public safety, and preserving open spaces, I know all three candidates will continue putting Perth Amboy families first to build a bright future.”
Updated 11:59 a.m.