MONTCLAIR - New Jersey Democrats from Phil Murphy on down are "tone deaf" to the needs of the black and brown community, Ras Baraka asserted at a press event Tuesday afternoon.

Standing outside a branch library in this very liberal community, Baraka, the mayor of Newark and a gubernatorial candidate in the June 10 primary, said he will soon release a plan aimed at improving conditions in the "black and brown" community and for all New Jerseyans who are struggling.

He was a bit vague about what precisely that plan would say, but he pledged that it would address home ownership and medical care.

More broadly, he said of the state's political power structure:

"They don't see us," adding that if the poor are out of sight, their problems can not be solved.
Baraka said his sweeping indictment included not only his five competitors for the gubernatorial nomination, but the current governor himself.

As he put it, he's not leaving Murphy "off the hook."

The Newark mayor has long been seen as the most liberal candidate in the race. And his comments today certainly solidified that.

A handout that accompanied the press event highlighted what he said were troublesome contributions to Mikie Sherrill, the perceived frontrunner in the race. They were from big pharma, Wall Street, defense contractors and companies associated with Elon Musk.

The mayor's remarks, however, were a more general condemnation of New Jersey Democrats.

He began by condemning the policies of Donald Trump, but said state leaders aren't helping things by supporting policies that alienate working people.

Baraka spoke of a growing wealth gap and lack of reliable health care for black women giving birth.

He spoke of Newark and Livingston being a mere 13 or so miles from each other, but worlds apart economically.

Today's event was a sure sign the campaign may be moving into high gear.

Also in the political news today was a story in the Jersey Vindicator about alleged corruption in Newark related to development.

Baraka called the story a "lie" and said he has never been investigated by authorities.

Asked to comment on Baraka's comments in Montclair, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill said:

“I absolutely agree that there is deeply-rooted systemic racism in New Jersey that must be addressed. The fact is that opportunity is not available to everyone, and we must do better on a broad range of issues, including education, housing, supporting small businesses, health care, criminal justice, and environmental justice. I’ve long fought for better opportunity, in the military, at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and in Congress. This is a moral outrage that demands immediate action, it is at the core of why I’m running for governor, and it is a top priority when I get to Trenton.”