Newark Mayor Ras Baraka will launch his 2018 reelection bid next Thursday at noon on the steps of Newark City Hall.

Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo is expected to issue his formal endorsement of the mayor at the event.

The only real question is who Baraka will run for city council out of the Central Ward to replace Councilwoman Gayle Chaneyfield-Jenkins.

Dumped out of Ras World, Chaneyfield-Jenkins is expected to make her own play for mayor.