NEWARK, NJ — A public forum will take place for Newark mayor candidates on Monday, May 4.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka will face a challenge from seven candidates in the 2026 nonpartisan municipal election, which takes place on May 12. The challengers are: Debra Salters, Douglas Davis, Jhamar Youngblood, Noble Milton, Tanisha Garner, Nasheedah Singleton, and Sheila Montague.
The NAACP Newark Branch and the Ironbound Community Corporation are hosting a “Newark Mayoral Conversation” with the candidates from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, May 4 at Sport Club Portuguese, 55 Prospect Street. Register to attend online here.
“This is an opportunity to hear directly from candidates for mayor in a moderated discussion shaped by the priorities and concerns identified by our community,” organizers wrote. “This event is designed to create space for meaningful dialogue around the issues that matter most to Newark residents. From economic opportunity and public safety to housing, education, and community development, the conversation will reflect what you have shared as critical to our city's future.”
Newark’s nonpartisan municipal election on May 12 will include races for mayor and several seats on the city council. Candidates don’t declare political parties in nonpartisan elections. Learn more about voting in New Jersey here.
In addition to the race for mayor, other local races include:
AT-LARGE COUNCIL RACE
Four at-large city council seats are up for grabs on May 12. A total of 19 candidates are running for at-large seats on the council, including three incumbents: Louise Scott-Rountree, Luis Quintana, and C. Lawrence Crump.
The list of challengers includes: Joanette Hinnant, Donna Jackson, Nadirah Brown, Pablo Olivera, Malik Cooper, Yusuf Shabazz, Lamont Vaughn, Rasheen Peppers, Altarik White, Alonzo Herran Jr., Christina Cherry, Maria Lebron, Lynda Lloyd, Khalil Kettles, Josephine Garcia, and Edden Rivera.
Longtime city councilman Carlos Gonzalez announced that he is not pursuing re-election earlier this year.
The Newark NAACP and the North Jersey Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta held a forum for at-large council candidates on April 16. Watch video footage from the event here.
COUNCIL WARD RACES
Meanwhile, 15 candidates will duke it out for council seats in their respective wards.
Michael Silva is running unopposed in the East Ward. The list of other candidates includes:
>> RELATED: Newark School Board Election Results: Victory For Council, Comesañas, Childs, Nivar
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