A progressive group led by activist Lawrence Hamm endorsed Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for governor on Wednesday.
The People’s Organization for Progress said it endorsed Baraka because of his commitment to helping the working class and his strong stances on civil rights issues. The organization touted the mayor’s support for a minimum wage hike, universal basic income, reparations for slavery, and immigrant rights.
“Ras Baraka will fight for the needs of working people, poor people, and the struggling middle class,” Hamm said in a release. “And that’s what we need in these difficult times. We need a governor that’s going to fight hard for us.”
Hamm most recently ran as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate, but finished third in a primary won by then-Rep. Andy Kim.
Hamm personally endorsed Baraka last year, but the release states POP waited to endorse in the race until this week.
Hamm said Baraka has the strength to handle President Donald Trump’s aggressive executive action.
“In this highly charged political environment we need a governor who can stand up to President Trump and his fascist, racist, and right wing policies,” Hamm said. “Ras Baraka has demonstrated the ability to withstand that kind of pressure.”
In 1971, then-Newark Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson appointed Hamm to the Newark school board when he was 17.
Baraka is one of six Democrats seeking the nomination to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy.