Newark Needs A Chief Executive, Not a Protester In Chief

I am withdrawing from the mayor's race and instead running for a third term to represent the North Ward on the City Council. I am proud to announce my support for Shavar Jeffries for mayor.

Withdrawing from the mayor's race was one of the most difficult decision that I've had to make in my political career because serving all residents as mayor of this great city where I was born and raised has always been my dream.

However, after much reflection and soul searching, I've come to the conclusion that supporting Shavar Jeffries is what's best to move the city in a new direction.

I want to sincerely thank all my supporters and volunteers who believed in my campaign and worked so hard over these past few months. 

From the senior citizen volunteers at our South Ward headquarters who expressed concerns on a daily basis about public safety to the local business owners who expressed frustration with city government to parents all over the city who advocate for quality education on behalf of their children.

This election was never about me. It was about the residents of Newark. Running for mayor for the last few months has been a privilege. It has given me an opportunity to meet so many wonderful people who care about the city.

As difficult as it was for me to make this decision to withdraw from the race, my decision to support Shavar Jeffries was easy.

To understand why, we need to understand what is happening to our city today. 
Newark stands at a crossroads: We need a leader who solves problems not someone who throws bricks. We need a unifier, not a divider. We need a chief executive officer, not a protester-in-chief. We need a leader who is going to tell you what they are for, not just what they are against.

It's time for a different direction in Newark. What our residents need is a mayor with a deep and strong commitment to our city, who is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and do the hard work of rebuilding the city, block by block. I believe Shavar Jeffries will be that mayor.

In many conversations with Shavar, I know that he shares my vision for how we can chart a new course for Newark. Together, we can turn back the politics of old and create a new direction for our city.

Shavar will be a great leader for the city of Newark. He will make every single one of our residents proud. Please take some time to learn more about Shavar on his website: jeffriesformayor.com.

To the citizens of Newark - the ones who supported my candidacy and the ones who did not - may God bless you and God bless Newark.