NEWARK – The SEIU New Jersey State Council – an umbrella group of unions representing 23,000 service workers statewide, including many who live and work in the City of Newark – is proud to announce its support for Newark Mayor Ras Baraka in his re-election bid. 

“Mayor Baraka has been an effective and inspirational leader for all members of SEIU, and deserves a second term. We count on his steady leadership and his sense of fairness,” said Wilfredo Larancuent, president of the state council.  “SEIU  members who live and work in the city deserve a Mayor working for positive social change and economic equality. We in SEIU look forward to working with his administration toward shared goals.” 

“Mayor Baraka is a transformative leader, building a vision of a city that empowers Newarkers to be engaged citizens and agents of change in their communities,” said Milly Silva, Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU, the nation’s largest healthcare union which represents nursing home, homecare, and pharmacy workers across the city.  “From defending the principle of quality healthcare for all, to investing in public education, to facilitating dialogue between communities and law enforcement, Mayor Baraka is moving Newark forward.” 

Baraka is seeking a second four-year term in the election on May 8. 

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The SEIU New Jersey State Council is comprised of unions representing more than 23,000 service employees across the state including those working in health care, distribution centers, laundries, motor vehicle inspection stations.  In the city of Newark, our unions represent municipal employees, and workers in the housing authority and public schools as well as resident physicians in the city’s largest hospital.