The Rev. Dr. Charles F. Boyer, one of New Jersey’s most politically influential Black ministers, will back Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for the Democratic nomination for governor in next year’s primary election, calling him “a staunch advocate for progressive policies and social justice.”
Boyer is the pastor of the Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Trenton, and the founder of Salvation and Social Justice, an important public policy and advocacy group. He has considerable sway over Black voters across the state.
“His dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to community development have not only transformed Newark but also positioned him as a formidable candidate for the governorship of New Jersey,” Boyer said.
“We need a candidate who truly stands for something, not just a caricature of what they think won’t offend someone,” he added. “This is not the time for moderation. “
The endorsement of Boyer comes one day after over six dozen faith leaders announced that they would support Baraka’s gubernatorial campaign.
Boyer praised Baraka’s achievements during his ten years as mayor of Newark, the state’s largest city.
“Newark has seen significant reductions in crime through community-led solutions, reaching its lowest levels in five decades. Baraka has also tackled the city’s long-standing issues with lead contamination, successfully replacing all 23,000 known lead service lines in less than three years at no cost to residents,” stated Boyer. “His commitment to education is evident in his efforts to return local control of schools after more than two decades, ensuring that the community has a direct say in the education of its children.”
Boyer also lauded Baraka for “addressing affordability while maintaining steady growth, lowering unemployment rates, and fostering a forward-thinking agenda that prioritizes the well-being of Newark’s residents.”
2024 presidential election
In his endorsement of Baraka, Boyer pointed to the unexpected closeness last week’s presidential election in New Jersey as evidence of why Black voters need to unite behind the mayor of Newark’s bid to become the state’s first Black governor.
“This election has highlighted several critical fronts: the monstrous grip of misogyny, patriarchy, and racism, and the challenge of relying on other people groups who have the option to assimilate to white privilege,” he said.
He said Kamala Harris’ defeat nationally and the election of Donald Trump necessitates an evaluation of how Democrats will address “a growing number of Black men who require deep investment, civic education, compassionate meaningful engagement, economic development, and the dignity to be heard without judgment.”
“We cannot afford a gender divide. We cannot ignore this. Black people need to unite because we will never be able to depend on anyone else,” Boyer explained. “History keeps telling us the same thing: if we don’t get ourselves together – building Black infrastructure for Black people – we will never truly progress.”
Most important, Boyer says, is for the Black community to endorse a candidate “with a track record and a heart for a Black agenda.”
“We don’t have the luxury or the privilege to split our votes. We need someone who is from us and cares about us,” he said. “Someone who can energize the Black vote in ways it has not been energized before.”
He also wants to “refute the notion that the party must moderate to secure victory.”
“Instead, it should mobilize and energize the progressive vote and outreach to people that moderate Democrats rarely reach. The city I serve, Trenton has thousands of untapped voters who need someone that can speak to them in ways the establishment is incapable of doing. Trenton is just one example of the potential amongst the disenfranchised and forgotten. ”
“I pray all Black people in New Jersey prepare to vote in historic numbers in the upcoming gubernatorial primary in New Jersey,” Boyer said. “I also call on county executives and political leaders who are real allies of Black people to release their Black political members to endorse our most viable Black candidate without penalty.”
See here for a full list of endorsements in New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial contest.