Draft:2026 Newark mayoral election

The 2026 Newark mayoral election is set to be held on May 12, 2026 to elect the mayor of Newark, New Jersey. Elections will also be held for all 9 member Municipal Council of Newark on the same day. Elections will be non-partisan, and candidates will not be listed by party affiliation. The incumbent is Ras Baraka who was first elected in 2014 after winning 54.1% of the vote. Baraka is currently running for the 2025 election for governor, and it is unclear if he will run again if he does not win that race.

Potential

 * Patrick Council, Councilmember from the South Ward (2022–present) and candidate for council in 2014
 * Shavar Jeffries, CEO of the KIPP Foundation and candidate for mayor in 2014
 * Alturrick Kenney, Essex County Surrogate (2019–present) and candidate for council in 2014
 * Dupre Kelly, Councilmember from the West Ward (2022–present) and candidate for council in 2018
 * Chigozie Onyema, attorney and candidate for council in the West Ward in 2022
 * Anibal Ramos Jr., Councilmember from the North Ward (2006–present) and candidate for mayor in 2014

Declined

 * Ras Baraka, incumbent mayor (2014–present) (running for governor)
 * LaMonica McIver, president of the Newark Municipal Council (running for congress)