Age, Biography, and Wiki
- Age: Ras Baraka turned 55 in 2025.
- Biography: Baraka is a member of the Democratic Party and has been in office since 2014. He is recognized for his progressive approach to governance, which has led to significant improvements in Newark's economy and social services.
- Wiki: Details about his life and career can be found at his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 9 April 1970 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Jersey |
Height, Weight & Measurements
There is no publicly available information on Ras Baraka's height, weight, or other measurements.
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Dating & Relationship Status
Ras Baraka is married to Linda Jumah, a political consultant. They got married in 2019 and have a son together. He also has three daughters from previous relationships.
The reorganization, spearheaded by state-appointed Superintendent Cami Anderson, would relocate, consolidate or close one quarter of the district's schools that she has determined are underutilized. The plan has met with stiff resistance from large segments of Newark's population, with critics saying there was no evidence it will increase student performance. The plan would also include teacher lay-offs. While there is some agreement with many of the policies being implemented in the program, the disregard for community input and the pace of change has drawn criticism. The plan will require some students to leave their neighborhoods and travel across the city, with many parents fearing for their safety.
A discrimination complaint filed on behalf of Newark parents and the Newark branch of New Jersey's Parents Unified for Local School Education (PULSE) claims that 86 percent of the students affected by "One Newark" changes are African American, while African-American students make up 51 percent of the entire district. The allegation is being investigated by the United States Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights.
Through his father, some of Baraka's half-sisters are Kellie and Lisa Jones and Dominique di Prima. (Jones was their father's last name at the time they were born.)
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| Husband | Linda Jumah (m. 2019) |
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Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: As of 2025, specific details on Ras Baraka's net worth are not widely disclosed. However, his income primarily comes from his mayoral salary.
- Salary: Mayor Baraka earns a salary of $194,000 annually, with an additional expense allowance of up to $30,000. In 2023, he reported earning $203,241, with some income from his wife's business ventures.
On February 19, 2024, Baraka announced that he would run for governor of New Jersey in the 2025 election. He has called for a "progressive overhaul" in New Jersey, and his campaign agenda includes "reparations, sanctuary state laws, baby bonds, and [a] universal basic income". Following the death of U.S. Representative Donald Payne Jr., who represented the 10th congressional district, Baraka was mentioned as a potential candidate in the upcoming special election. However, Baraka affirmed that he would not run for the seat and would continue to mount his gubernatorial candidacy.
Career, Business, and Investments
- Career: Ras Baraka has been the Mayor of Newark since 2014 and was re-elected in 2018 and 2022. He is currently running for governor of New Jersey in the 2025 election.
- Business and Investments: There isn't much information on personal business or investments, though his wife's businesses, Sunrise United Partners and the 1957 Group, generated $6,940 in income in 2023.
Between 2002 and 2006 Baraka was Newark Municipal Council member and in 2002 was appointed deputy mayor, and served that position until 2005. In November 2005, Baraka was voted to complete the term vacated by the deceased Councilmember-at-Large Donald Kofi Tucker.
The Newark Watershed comprises 35,000 acres of reservoirs and water treatment and supply systems for more than 500,000 customers in northern New Jersey including Newark and neighboring Belleville, Elizabeth, Bloomfield and Nutley. It is considered one of the city's greatest assets. A New Jersey State Comptroller report issued in February 2014 revealed irregularities and corruption within the Newark Watershed and Development Corporation, which is the process of being dismantled after being taken over by the city. In March 2014, Baraka called for a forensic audit of the agency. Despite protestations from the city council, in April 2014 a Superior Court judge ruled that the city must continue to fund the agency during the process.
In August 2014, citing a $30 million deficit in the city's 2013 budget and an anticipated $60 million deficit for 2014, Baraka said that Newark would likely have to ask for emergency aid from the state, which, if received, would require state oversight and involvement in the city's financial affairs. As of September 2014, the state's Local Finance Board, overseen by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, had not taken action. That same month, the city auctioned properties, most of which had been foreclosed, in an attempt to raise funds. The state's Department of Community Affairs awarded Newark $10 million in transitional aid, which comes with a required oversight memorandum of understanding. The state will hire a private firm to oversee the city's financial management and compliance. The state will reduce budgets for the city clerk and expenses for council members as part of the agreement.
In March 2023, Baraka invited supposed representatives of Kailaasa, a self-proclaimed micronation, to Newark's City Hall to enter a "cultural trade agreement" and become sister cities. Kailasa is a self-proclaimed island micronation (in its own words, a "Revival of the Ancient Enlightened Hindu Civilizational Nation" ) off the coast of Ecuador. The island had been purchased by Swami Nithyananda, a self-proclaimed "godman" and ashram founder often referred to as a scam artist. NBC reported that Baraka, along with the municipal council, was duped by Nithyananda and his "fake country".
Social Network
Ras Baraka is active on social media platforms, where he engages with the public and shares updates about his political endeavors. However, specific details about his social media presence are not highlighted in the available information.
In 2010, Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, donated $100 million of his personal fortune through his foundation StartUp Education to the Newark school system. Release of the funds required matching funds, which were mostly raised through the Foundation for Newark's Future and have largely been spent, though funds remain.
Education
Ras Baraka's educational background is not extensively detailed in the provided sources. However, he is known to be an educator, suggesting a strong educational foundation.
In summary, Ras Baraka is a significant figure in New Jersey politics, known for his progressive policies and commitment to improving Newark. His financial status is primarily tied to his mayoral salary and occasional income from associated business activities.
Prior to his election as mayor, he served on the Municipal Council of Newark and as principal of the city's Central High School. Baraka is a candidate for governor of New Jersey in the 2025 election.
Baraka was educated in the Newark Public Schools, attending University High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Howard University in Washington, DC; and a Master of Arts degree in education supervision from Saint Peter's University in Jersey City, New Jersey.
The Newark Public Schools system (serving approximately 40,000 students) was placed under state control in 1994. Newark is one of 31 Abbott districts. The state is required to cover all costs for school building and renovation projects in these districts under the supervision of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority.
Teams of consultants have suggested numerous management reforms from the top down, but according to Baraka, echoing concerns of many residents, they have ignored the community and the needs of children and wishes of families in the neighborhoods. A restructuring program called One Newark calls for the closure of some public schools and the opening of more charter schools (some in public school buildings).
Baraka ran for election with a campaign to take back local control of the schools. In May 2014, Newark, which already had control of operations (includes student transportation and other support services), was granted local powers over budget and finance, giving the local advisory board its first formal vote on the district's nearly $1 billion in annual spending. The state retains the right to veto any action of the local board and has the final say in appointing the superintendent of the district. Baraka, as an outspoken advocate of returning control of Newark's schools to local authority, has called for the ouster of state-appointed Superintendent Anderson. Anderson's contract was renewed in June 2014.
