Piscataway progressive group backs Baraka

The grassroots Piscataway Progressive Democratic Organization has endorsed Ras Baraka for governor after he received over 80% in a vote of its membership.

With the endorsement comes the support of two Piscataway councilwomen, Laura Leibowitz and Sarah Rashid, the upset winners against two incumbents in the 2024 Democratic primary last year.  Leibowitz and Rashid forged a Jewish and Muslim slate last year.

“Mayor Baraka has done exactly what he promised—he has turned Newark around and created real opportunities for people everywhere based on his values and his vision,” said Staci Berger, the PPDO president.  “His leadership isn’t about rhetoric, it’s about results.  At every turn, through every challenge, he has put working families first and we know he will defend our most vulnerable neighbors against attacks from the Trump Administration. That’s the kind of leadership New Jersey needs in the governor’s office.”

Berger praised Baraka’s efforts to create New Jersey’s first universal basic income pilot program, reduce street homelessness, remove lead in water service lines, and expand voting rights for young people.

“He has transformed bold ideas into tangible realities,” she said.

Last June, Berger won 43% of the vote against longtime Mayor Brian Wahler in the Democratic primary, creating a base of support for progressives in this Middlesex Democratic stronghold.

“This endorsement isn’t just about me, it’s about the kind of party we want to be. The Piscataway Progressive Democratic Organization believes, as I do, that we must lean into what makes us Democrats. That means fighting for equity, expanding opportunity, and ensuring that when the tide rises, it lifts all boats,” Baraka stated.  “We cannot combat extremism with moderation. We have to meet this moment with vision, courage, and the will to create real change.”