Baraka endorses Rob Menendez for re-election

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka today endorsed Rep. Rob Menendez (D-Jersey City), who represents around 115,000 of Baraka’s constituents, for re-election in the 8th congressional district.

“Rob and I share a vision for our urban cities that fosters greater inclusivity, affordability, and accessibility, and since taking office he has been a great partner to my administration and left no doubt about his dedication to Newark,” Barak said in a statement. “I’m proud to call Rob a friend and a champion for Newark, and I look forward to working to re-elect him to Congress.”

Baraka listed a number of Newark priorities that Menendez has fought for in Congress, including the Dock Bridge Rehabilitation Project, renovations to Newark Penn Station, and local public safety and community policing efforts.

Menendez, who was first elected to Congress last year, has had his political future imperiled by the federal charges brought against his father, Senator Bob Menendez. The younger Menendez faces a potential Democratic primary challenge from Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, and polling shows he could be in danger of losing his seat.

Last week, the Hudson County Democratic organization, which is hugely powerful in the 8th district, announced that it was sticking with Congressman Menendez for 2024. But Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop declared that he wasn’t going along with the party’s endorsement, saying that “it’s time to move on” from the entire Menendez family.

Importantly, Fulop is a candidate for governor in the 2025 election – a race that Baraka is considering entering as well. With Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff), another potential gubernatorial contender, also endorsing Menendez, 2025 battle lines are being drawn around the fight for the 8th district.

Baraka’s endorsement additionally signals that Democrats in Essex County, which makes up around 15% of the 8th district, could be leaning towards endorsing Menendez as well. But the heavily Hispanic parts of Newark in Menendez’s district aren’t part of Baraka’s political base, and the decision about who gets the county party endorsement will largely rest with the trio of Essex Democratic Chair LeRoy Jones, Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, and State Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz (D-Newark).