Over 30 South Jersey Democrats back Baraka for governor

A massive group of 31 South Jersey elected officials and Democratic party leaders today endorsed Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for the governor in a show of support in advance of county conventions in Burlington and Atlantic this weekend.

Baraka backers include Pleasantville Mayor Judy Ward, former Atlantic City Mayor Lorenzo Langford, four of the six Democrats on the Atlantic City council, and Reva Foster, chair of the New Jersey Black Issues Convention and a local civil rights leader in Willingboro.

“We need a Governor who can bring people together, someone who can win in every part of the state,” Ward stated. “Ras Baraka is that candidate. His leadership in Newark, his ability to inspire, and his deep commitment to working-class families set him apart from the field. South Jersey is proud to stand with him.”

Langford maintains that “Ras doesn’t just talk about working people – he fights for them every day.

“From standing up for labor unions to tackling affordable housing and healthcare reform, he understands the struggles of everyday New Jerseyan,” said Langford.  “He is the most electable Democrat in this race because he speaks to the issues that matter most to the people who decide elections.”

Also joining Team Baraka: Council President Carla Thomas, school board member Charmaine Jones-Akins, former Mayor Jesse Tweedle, former Councilman Tony Davenport, former school board president Jerome Page, and former school board members Melanie Griffin, Julio Sanchez, and Elyse Sanchez (Pleasantville); former Councilwoman Susan Korngut and 2019 candidate for County Executive (Northfield); and school board member Juanita Hyman (Egg Harbor Township).

Logan Mayor Frank Logan, a longtime critic of the South Jersey Democratic machine, also came out for Baraka, along with Deputy Mayor Berdeen Thomas and Councilwoman Shlema Lawry.

“Ras Baraka is the leader New Jersey needs right now,” Minor said. “As an executive, he has already shown that he knows how to govern. He has managed the largest city in our state through crisis after crisis – focusing on public safety, economic growth, and equity. His experience and leadership make him the best choice to lead New Jersey forward.

From the Atlantic City Council: Aaron “Sporty” Randolph, Kaleem Shabazz, George “Animal” Crouch, Latoya Dunston.  Baraka also has the support of Torres Mayfield, an Atlantic City school board member, former Councilman Joe Mancuso, and two ex-Board of Education members: Nynell Langford and Kenia Nunez.

Other Baraka endorsers: former Cumberland County Commissioner Donna Pearson; Penns Grove Mayor LaDaena Londo, an independent; former Mayor Charles Washington and former Council President Karen Roots (Salem City); school board members Angela Cooper and Felix James (Pine Hill), and former school board member Mark Benjamin (Winslow).

Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen was an early supporter of Baraka’s candidacy.