42 Candidates Vie For 10 Positions in Newark Municipal Election

Newark residents voice concerns over incumbent leadership ahead of May election

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:20pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting in shades of blue, purple, and orange, depicting the Newark City Hall building in a state of fragmentation and motion, conveying the turbulent energy of the city's upcoming municipal election.The chaotic energy of Newark's municipal election reflects the city's desire for a new political direction.Newark Today

Forty-two candidates are running for ten elected positions in the upcoming May 12 non-partisan election for Mayor and Municipal Council in Newark, New Jersey. The election will feature a crowded mayoral race as well as contests for four at-large council seats and five ward-specific council seats. Residents have expressed frustration with the current administration, citing issues like snow removal, potholes, garbage, high rents, and lack of jobs and education for Newarkers.

Why it matters

This election represents a pivotal moment for Newark, as residents seek to hold the current administration accountable and vote for change. The large number of candidates suggests a widespread desire for new leadership and a shift in the city's priorities, away from developers and towards addressing the concerns of Newark's residents.

The details

The mayoral race features seven candidates, including incumbent Ras Baraka, who is facing his toughest challenge since being elected 12 years ago. The at-large council race has 19 candidates vying for four seats, while the five ward-specific council races have a total of 16 candidates. Residents have voiced frustration with the current administration, accusing them of prioritizing their public image and developer interests over addressing issues like snow removal, potholes, garbage, high rents, and lack of jobs and education for Newark's residents.

  • The election will be held on May 12, 2026.
  • A run-off between candidates for Municipal Council will take place on June 9, 2026.
  • On February 17, 2026, there was a meeting at Newark Symphony Hall where residents voiced their concerns to the Mayor and other city officials.

The players

Ras Baraka

The incumbent Mayor of Newark, who is facing his toughest challenge since being elected 12 years ago.

Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins

A former Council Member who is running against incumbent Amina Bey for the Central Ward seat.

Lisa Parker

A Newark resident who criticized the current administration at a March 18 hearing, calling them a "criminal cult" and urging Newarkers to vote for change.

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What they’re saying

“Newarkers elect a clown, expect a circus. We witnessed the circus at the number drawing for candidates. Those numbers were bracketed for Team Baraka candidates. We also witnessed the circus led by the Mayor's brother, his bully crew and city employees to cheer on their candidates. A disgrace! What has happened to this building and these chambers? It used to represent decorum and democracy.”

— Lisa Parker, Newark Resident

“To Mayor Baraka – 12 years ago I told you I was going to keep coming back to the council until you did the right thing by my people. I kept my promise. Mayor, your legacy is criminality, corruption, indictments, dirty water, dirty streets, incompetence, bankruptcy, a broken city. No one became mayor when you did. You didn't move the city forward and I can't re-imagine what you have destroyed.”

— Lisa Parker, Newark Resident

What’s next

The run-off election between candidates for Municipal Council will take place on June 9, 2026. Voters will be closely watching to see if any new faces emerge on the council, and whether the opposition can unite behind a strong challenger to unseat Mayor Baraka.

The takeaway

This election represents a critical juncture for Newark, as residents seek to hold the current administration accountable and vote for change. The large number of candidates suggests a deep dissatisfaction with the status quo and a desire for a city government that is more responsive to the needs of Newark's residents.