Today, Analilia Mejia — a longtime grassroots organizer, former leader of the New Jersey Working Families Alliance, and Democratic candidate for Congress in NJ-11 — announced the endorsement of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

Baraka’s support is widely considered one of the most influential in Essex County. In the June primary for Governor, Mayor Baraka won Essex County and placed second overall in the race. In a statement, Baraka praised Mejia’s decades of advocacy, leadership, and commitment to uplifting communities too often overlooked by Washington:

“Analilia has spent her entire career fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with working people, leading the fights for a $15 minimum wage and paid sick days. She doesn’t just talk about change but makes it happen,” said Mayor Baraka. “She understands the struggles facing families in North Jersey, and she has the courage and experience to take on powerful people and deliver real change. I’m proud to endorse her for Congress because I know she will be a relentless champion for justice and a critical partner to Essex County.”

As a lifelong New Jersey resident, Mejia shares a vision with Baraka on the need for structural change that holds Trump and his allies accountable, unrigs the economy, and fixes our state’s crumbling infrastructure. She’s refusing corporate PAC money and running a grassroots, people-powered campaign. Mayor Baraka and Analilia Mejia worked together in 2014 to make Newark one of the first cities in the nation to require paid sick days for all workers.

“Mayor Baraka knows what it takes to build real political power and make transformative policy change,” said Analilia Mejia. “His ability to organize, mobilize, and energize voters has reshaped what’s possible in New Jersey politics. I’m proud to have his support.”

Baraka’s endorsement comes on the heels of Senator Bernie Sanders' endorsement. Together, Baraka and Sanders’ support underscores the growing strength of Mejia’s people-powered campaign. Mejia enters the race with a surge of grassroots energy and a clear mandate to fight for working families across NJ-11.

The primary election is on February 5, 2026