Rasheen Peppers Announces Candidacy for Newark Councilman-At-Large

Community leader and public safety professional pledges to serve every resident and neighborhood in Newark

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:03pm

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Rasheen 'Pep' Peppers, a community leader and public safety professional, has formally announced his candidacy for Newark Councilman-At-Large. Peppers has spent his career working to strengthen communities and improve public safety in Newark, where he was born and raised. He has held leadership roles in law enforcement, including serving as Commander of Newark's 5th Precinct and Assistant to the Public Safety Director. Peppers is committed to addressing the systemic issues impacting Newark communities, such as poverty, gang violence, and educational instability. As part of his campaign, Peppers pledges to serve every resident and every neighborhood across the city.

Why it matters

Peppers' candidacy for Newark Councilman-At-Large is significant as he brings a deep understanding of the challenges facing Newark communities and a track record of working to address those challenges through community engagement and public safety initiatives. His campaign promises to serve all residents and neighborhoods, which could help bridge divides and ensure more equitable representation in the city's leadership.

The details

Rasheen 'Pep' Peppers has built a reputation as a dedicated leader committed to addressing the real challenges facing Newark families. Before leading Newark's Partnership, Peppers had a distinguished career in law enforcement, serving in roles such as Commander of Newark's 5th Precinct, Commanding Officer of the Newark Fugitive Unit, and Assistant to the Public Safety Director. He also served as a Special Deputy with the United States Marshals Service. Through these roles, Peppers developed a deep understanding of the systemic issues impacting communities, including poverty, gang violence, and educational instability. His commitment to community engagement led him to launch the grassroots initiative 'Gangs vs. Literacy,' a program that uses art and real-life storytelling to encourage youth to choose education and opportunity over violence. As Commander of the 5th Precinct, Peppers implemented 'Captain's Corner,' an innovative community engagement initiative that brought police leadership directly into the neighborhoods they serve.

  • Rasheen Peppers formally announced his candidacy for Newark Councilman-At-Large on March 16, 2026.

The players

Rasheen 'Pep' Peppers

A community leader and public safety professional who has formally announced his candidacy for Newark Councilman-At-Large. Peppers was born and raised in Newark and has spent his career working to strengthen communities and improve public safety in the city.

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What they’re saying

“As someone who was born and raised in Newark, I understand the challenges our communities face, but I also know the strength and resilience of our residents. My campaign is about serving every block, every ward, every resident, and every family. Together, we can continue building a safer, stronger Newark.”

— Rasheen 'Pep' Peppers, Candidate for Newark Councilman-At-Large

The takeaway

Rasheen Peppers' candidacy for Newark Councilman-At-Large represents a commitment to addressing the systemic challenges facing Newark communities through a combination of public safety expertise, community engagement, and a pledge to serve all residents and neighborhoods in the city.