32BJ SEIU, the largest property services union in the country, with 13,000 members in New Jersey, announced today its municipal endorsement for the upcoming 2022 City of Newark elections. For Mayor of the State’s largest city, the union will be supporting Mayor Ras J. Baraka, who will be running for a second term.

The union also determined the endorsement of seven members of Newark’s city council. These endorsements came after virtual screening sessions, where members had the opportunity to address concerns regarding city policies and their effect on their livelihood and well-being.

The union did not endorse in the West Ward, where candidates are vying for the seat of disgraced Councilman Joe McCallum; or in the East Ward, a battle to replace retiring Councilman Augusto Amador.

In the West, Dupre “DoItAll” Kelly is running with the Baraka Ticket. A large field of contenders includes attorney Chigozie Onyema and former South Ward Councilman Oscar James II. In the East, Baraka backs Louis Weber, in a field the includes former Police Director Anthony Campos and retired police officer Mike Silva.

32BJ SEIU Vice President and New Jersey State Director Kevin Brown made the announcement today on behalf of the union’s members. “Mayor Baraka’s great leadership through the pandemic and the historic rebuilding process we find ourselves in calls for good, progressive leadership at all levels. Decisions made at the city government level, such as the worker retention ordinance that recently passed in Newark city council and signed by the Mayor, have a direct impact in the lives of its workers. Our members have chosen candidates that will fight – alongside them – for their livelihood, and better working conditions. We look forward to continue working together for the common objective of improving their communities.”

The endorsements are as follows:

Mayor: Ras J. Baraka  

Reverend Louise Rountree – Council at-Large

Luis A. Quintana – Councila at-Large

Carlos M. Gonzalez – Council at-Large

Lawrence Crump – Council at-Large

Lamonica McIver – City Council Central Ward

Anibal Ramos – City Council North Ward

Patrick Council – City Council South Ward

With the union’s endorsement comes a commitment of significant resources to help a candidate win, including member volunteers and financial support.  32BJ’s New Jersey District includes more than 13,000 members; over 2,200 of them live in Newark, many of whom have volunteered to knock thousands of doors and help get out the vote in key elections.

With 175,000 members in 11 states, including more than 13,000 in New Jersey–32BJ SEIU is the largest property services union in the country.