Three Trailblazing Women with Deep Roots in Labor, Progressive Organizing, and Civic Leadership to Spearhead Baraka’s Gubernatorial Bid

New Jersey – Mayor Ras J. Baraka has named Regena Thomas, former New Jersey Secretary of State and nationally respected political strategist; Lizette Delgado-Polanco, former Executive Director of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) New Jersey State Council; and Phyllis Salowe-Kaye, longtime executive director of New Jersey Citizen Action and a fearless advocate for economic and social justice, as co-chairs of his gubernatorial campaign. These three powerhouse women—titans of labor, grassroots activism, and progressive politics—bring an unparalleled depth of experience in public service, civic engagement, and movement-building, reinforcing Baraka’s vision for a more just and equitable New Jersey.

“Regena Thomas, Lizette Delgado-Polanco, and Phyllis Salowe-Kaye are more than leaders—they are trailblazers who have spent their careers fighting for working people, social justice, and equity,” said Mayor Baraka. “Regena has been a force in mobilizing voters and ensuring that democracy works for everyone. Lizette is a champion for labor rights and working families. And Phyllis has spent decades on the front lines of progressive advocacy, ensuring that everyday New Jerseyans have a voice in the halls of power. Together, their leadership will propel this movement forward as we fight to Reimagine New Jersey.”

These three women have long been at the vanguard of progressive change:

• Regena Thomas has served in the cabinets of former Governors James McGreevey and Richard Codey and has spent decades shaping the national political landscape, ensuring that historically disenfranchised communities are heard at the ballot box.

• Lizette Delgado-Polanco has been a relentless advocate for labor rights, organizing movements that empower workers and championing economic justice throughout her career.

• Phyllis Salowe-Kaye, as the longtime leader of New Jersey Citizen Action, has been a stalwart champion for housing, healthcare, economic justice and progressive policy reforms that uplift working families.

These three titans of advocacy and organizing are not just shaping the campaign – they are setting the course for a new era of leadership in New Jersey.

“Mayor Ras Baraka is not just another politician – he is a transformational leader with an unparalleled record of results,” said Thomas. “From tackling public safety in a way that strengthens communities, to spurring sustainable development across his city, to reducing homelessness by 57%, to investing in local businesses, his leadership in Newark has been both literally and figuratively, groundbreaking. This campaign is about breaking the cycle of politics that have failed New Jersey for too long. Ras Baraka is the only candidate offering something truly different – something bold, something just, something that actually works for the working people.”

“Ras Baraka has always been a champion for working people,” said Delgado-Polanco. “His commitment to building an inclusive economy that lifts all boats is exactly what New Jersey needs. He understands that economic justice isn’t just about policy, it’s about ensuring that every worker, every family has access to opportunity and prosperity. That’s why I am proud to stand with him in this campaign.”

“For decades, I’ve fought to ensure that economic and social justice aren’t just slogans – they are realities for the people of New Jersey,” said Salowe-Kaye. “Mayor Baraka has been a partner in that fight every step of the way. He has the courage to take on entrenched power, the experience to bring real change, and the vision to lead this state forward. I am thrilled to join this historic campaign.”

With Thomas, Delgado-Polanco, and Salowe-Kaye at the helm, the Baraka for Governor campaign is primed to expand its reach, energize voters across the state, and build a coalition that represents all New Jerseyans. Their collective expertise in labor advocacy, grassroots organizing, and progressive leadership underscores the campaign’s commitment to working people, gender equity, and a bold vision for the future.