Baraka’s new chief strategist is the guy who helped AOC and Fetterman win

Ras Baraka has hired Bill Hyers, a top political consultant and grassroots organizing veteran who helped elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to Congress and John Fetterman to the U.S. Senate, as the chief strategist in his campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor.

“Bill Hyers is a game-changer,” said Baraka, the three-term mayor of Newark, “His proven track record of winning tough races, combined with his deep understanding of grassroots organizing and voter engagement, makes him the ideal person to help us bring our vision for New Jersey to every corner of the state. Bill understands that this campaign is about building a movement, and we are excited to have him on board.”

Hyers was the Midwest director of Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign and managed Bill de Blasio’s stunning come-from-behind bid to become New York City’s mayor in 2013.  He managed campaigns for Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter;  Hyers was Obama’s Pennsylvania state director when he won a second term in 2012.

As a strategist, Hyers helped Fetterman win his races for lieutenant governor and U.S. Senator, and Ocasio-Cortez when she took out 10-term Rep. Joe Crowley in the Democratic primary.  He managed his first race in 2006 for Kirsten Gillibrand, who unseated a three-term Republican congressman in an upstate New York congressional district.

“Mayor Baraka embodies everything I believe true leadership should represent: a clear vision, an unwavering commitment to justice, and the courage to confront the toughest challenges,” Hyers stated.  “This is a pivotal moment for New Jersey and our nation, and I’m honored to join a campaign that champions Democratic values, fights for working families, and puts people – not the privileged – at the center of its vision.”