Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is endorsing Rob Menendez in the 8th District congressional race, stating that he’ll ensure the Brick City is well represented in Washington, D.C.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Newark is a city of working families, and Rob has made strengthening families the core of his campaign. With Rob as one of our two members of Congress, Newark will be well-represented in Washington, D.C.,” Baraka said in a statement.
“In Congress, Rob will ensure that Newark benefits from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and he will support Democratic efforts to expand child care, invest in affordable housing, and other legislation that is critical to our city’s success. I look forward to working with Rob on ensuring that Newark’s renaissance continues for years to come.”
The 8th Congressional District includes Newark’s North and East Wards.
“Mayor Baraka has been a transformative leader for the City of Newark and I am honored to receive his endorsement. Our campaign is one that centers on the needs of families in our district, and the people of Newark stand to gain much from the legislation that I will support in Congress,” added Menendez.
“Whether it is expanding the Affordable Care Act or extending the Child Tax Credit so families continue to receive $300 to invest in their children, I will always pursue an agenda that provides real and tangible results for the residents of our district, including those in Newark.”
Baraka was elected to his third term last Tuesday by a landslide, about an 84-16 margin, though voter turnout only hovered around 10 percent. The mayor blamed this on the Essex County Board of Elections moving polling locations in the week leading up to the election.
Meanwhile, Menendez, an attorney, Port Authority commissioner, and the son of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), looks to succeed U.S. Rep. Albio Sires, who is retiring at the end of this year after eight terms in the House.
He will face off with David Ocampo Grajales and Ane Roseborough-Eberhard in the June 7th primary.
