Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins Announces Run for Newark’s Central Ward Council Seat

(Newark, NJ — February 23, 2026) — Former councilwoman and lifelong Newark
advocate Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins announced today that she will once again seek
the Central Ward City Council seat, vowing to restore accountability, action, and pride
to a community that has grown tired of empty promises.

“During election season, politicians talk about what they’ll do on Day One—how they’ll
bring about change in the first 100 days,” said Chaneyfield Jenkins. “Well, here we
stand 100 days later, and not a single promise has turned into progress. Our
councilwoman has done nothing, and the people of the Central Ward deserve better
than that.”

Chaneyfield Jenkins, a trusted voice and proven leader, pointed to the frustration of
residents who’ve waited too long for visible improvements in their neighborhoods.
“Newark doesn’t need politicians who hide behind excuses,” she continued. “We need
leaders who show up, roll up their sleeves, and deliver. I’ve done it before for this city,
and I’m ready to do it again.”

A former Central Ward Councilmember and lifelong Newark resident, Chaneyfield
Jenkins emphasized that her campaign will focus on action-driven solutions—not
rhetoric. “I’m running because our seniors still don’t feel safe, our streets still aren’t
clean, and our children still lack opportunities,” she said. “Enough with the slogans
and the selfies. We need results.”

Her campaign promises to restore direct engagement between City Hall and the
people. “Every resident, every worker, every small business owner in this ward should
feel heard,” she added. “I don’t want photo ops—I want open doors. I don’t want
excuses—I want answers.”

We built this community together,” she said. “And together, we’re going to take it back
from the politicians who forgot who they work for.”
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