Rev. Dr. Marques-Aquil Lewis, former President of the Newark Board of Education, has officially received the endorsement of Ras J. Baraka in his campaign for Essex County Commissioner At-Large, further solidifying Lewis as a leading contender in the June 2, 2026 election.

“I have been watching Marques for years, and he has always shown up for his constituents,” said Mayor Baraka. “As School Board President, his leadership helped lead Newark to regaining local control of our schools. He will help change the trajectory of county government. I am urging all Essex County residents to join me in supporting and endorsing Marques-Aquil Lewis.”

Mayor Baraka’s endorsement carries significant influence throughout Essex County, especially following his strong support and growing coalition during his gubernatorial campaign.

“This race is not about race or gender,” said Rev. Dr. Lewis. “It’s about having a Board of Commissioners that can truly assist the County Executive — not simply serve as seat warmers — but bring transparency, equality, accountability, and fairness to every municipality throughout Essex County. I’ve been doing this work since I was sixteen years old, and twenty-two years later, I remain committed to serving the people.”

The Lewis campaign continues to build momentum with support from Mayor Ras J. Baraka, members of the Newark Municipal Council, educators, elected officials, labor unions, clergy members, and grassroots organizations across Essex County.

Lewis is no stranger to overcoming the odds. In 2009, he challenged the political establishment in Newark and became the youngest elected School Board member in Newark history at just 21 years old. During his nine years of service on the Newark Board of Education, Lewis earned recognition as a Certified Master Board Member and Certified Board Leader while helping advance transformative initiatives for Newark students and families.

Currently, Lewis serves as a Youth Pastor, Vice President of the Central Ward Cougars, Head Coach, and Chief of Staff for the City of Newark Department of Recreation, Cultural Affairs, and Services. His decades of community leadership and public service have prepared him to immediately deliver results for the residents of Essex County on Day One.

Now, Lewis is taking his message of transparency, accountability, and equitable leadership to all 22 municipalities across Essex County as he works to earn the support of voters countywide.