As New Jersey approaches the 2025 gubernatorial election, two powerhouse mayors from the state’s largest cities are squaring off for the Democratic nomination: Ras Baraka of Newark and Steven Fulop of Jersey City. Both have built impressive records steering their urban hubs through growth and challenges, but how do they stack up in a head-to-head comparison? This article pits them against each other, focusing on their leadership, cost of living records, crime management, and political strengths as they vie to become New Jersey’s next governor.

Round 1: The Contenders and Their Cities

Ras Baraka – Newark’s Progressive Champion

• Tenure: Mayor of Newark since 2014

• Background: Former educator and principal, son of poet-activist Amiri Baraka

• City Snapshot: Newark, New Jersey’s largest city (pop. ~311,000), known for its industrial roots and ongoing revitalization

Baraka has positioned Newark as a model of progressive urban governance, emphasizing affordable housing, education reform, and immigrant rights.

Steven Fulop – Jersey City’s Development Dynamo

• Tenure: Mayor of Jersey City since 2013

• Background: Former Marine, ex-Goldman Sachs analyst

• City Snapshot: Jersey City (pop. ~292,000), a booming hub across the Hudson from Manhattan, marked by rapid development

Fulop has overseen Jersey City’s transformation into a modern urban powerhouse, prioritizing infrastructure, public safety, and economic growth.

Winner: Tie – Both bring distinct strengths and big-city experience to the table.

Round 2: Cost of Living – Who’s Keeping It Affordable?

Cost of living is a make-or-break issue for New Jersey voters. Let’s break down how Baraka and Fulop have managed it in their cities.

Housing Costs

• Rent Increases (2015-2024)

  • Newark (Baraka): +51% ($1,269 to $1,916 for a 2-bedroom)

  • Jersey City (Fulop): +75% ($1,315 to $2,299)

  • Edge: Baraka – Newark’s slower rent hikes signal stronger affordability measures.

• Property Tax Increases

  • Newark: +21% ($6,096 to $7,387)

  • Jersey City: +57% ($6,773 to $10,624)

  • Edge: Baraka – Lower tax hikes ease the burden on homeowners.

• Home Value Growth

  • Newark: +136% ($182,000 to $429,876)

  • Jersey City: +115% ($329,000 to $706,000)

  • Edge: Baraka – Higher growth reflects Newark’s recovery, though Jersey City’s pricier homes favor wealthier residents.

Baraka’s policies—like zoning for affordable units—have kept housing costs in check, while Fulop’s development boom has driven steeper increases.

Other Living Expenses

• Fuel, Food, Utilities, Healthcare: Both cities faced similar rises (e.g., food +27%, healthcare premiums +45%) due to regional trends.

• Edge: Tie – Neither mayor controls these external factors.

Winner: Baraka – His tighter grip on housing affordability gives him the upper hand.

Round 3: Crime – Who’s Making Streets Safer?

Public safety is a top priority for voters, and both mayors have tackled crime with distinct strategies. Let’s compare their records.

Crime Trends and Strategies

• Newark (Baraka):

  • Homicides: Dropped 23% in 2024, reaching a 60-year low in 2022 with a 15% decrease. By Q1 2025, homicides were down another 27%.

  • Shootings: Non-fatal shootings fell 9% in 2024, after a 35% drop in 2022.

  • Violent Crime: Overall violent crime rose 9% in 2024, driven by increases in robberies and aggravated assaults, though Q1 2025 showed a 39% decrease in violent crime, largely due to fewer robberies.

  • Approach: Baraka treats crime as a public health issue, collaborating with the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery (OVPTR). He focuses on community engagement, using "credible messengers" like social workers and clergy, and targets high-crime areas with increased patrols.

• Jersey City (Fulop):

  • Homicides: Decreased 40% in 2024, hitting a historic low of 6 by December 2024, down from 24 a decade ago—a 75% drop.

  • Shootings: Fell 45% in 2024, with a consistent decline (e.g., 47 in 2023 vs. 52 in 2022).

  • Violent Crime: Robberies, burglaries, and motor vehicle thefts also dropped significantly (e.g., motor vehicle theft down from 738 in 2022 to 629 in 2023).

  • Approach: Fulop emphasizes community policing, diversity in hiring (75% of new officers are minorities), and investments in technology like video surveillance. A new Public Safety De-Escalation and Training Center opened in 2024, and partnerships with state and federal agencies led to a 100% homicide solve rate in 2023.

Analysis

Baraka has made strides in reducing homicides and shootings, but the uptick in overall violent crime in 2024—particularly robberies targeting Newark’s migrant population—raises concerns. His public health approach is innovative, but it hasn’t fully curbed all violent crime trends. Fulop, meanwhile, has delivered more consistent declines across all crime categories, with a standout homicide reduction. His tech-driven, community-focused strategy seems to have yielded steadier results.

Winner: Fulop – Jersey City’s broader and more consistent crime reductions give him the edge.

Round 4: Political Prowess – Who’s Got the Edge Statewide?

New Jersey’s diverse electorate demands candidates who can win over urban centers, suburbs, and beyond. How do they compare?

Ras Baraka – The People’s Progressive

• Name Recognition: 78% of NJ Democrats know him, 43% view him favorably (FDU poll)

• Strengths:

  • Appeals to communities of color and progressive suburbs

  • Vocal on immigrant rights (e.g., opposing a new immigrant jail)

  • Education reform focus from his teaching roots

• Style: Fiery, grassroots-driven

Steven Fulop – The Polished Reformer

• Name Recognition: Lower than Baraka’s, though growing

• Strengths:

  • Progressive wins like minimum wage hikes and transit expansion

  • Track record of urban development

• Style: Pragmatic, business-friendly

Baraka’s broader appeal and higher visibility outshine Fulop’s quieter, development-focused approach.

Winner: Baraka – His statewide resonance gives him a clear advantage.

Final Scorecard

• Leadership Experience: Tie

• Cost of Living: Baraka

• Crime Management: Fulop

• Political Appeal: Baraka

The Verdict

Ras Baraka and Steven Fulop are neck-and-neck in this head-to-head matchup. Baraka shines on affordability and political appeal, crucial for working-class voters and the Democratic base. However, Fulop’s stronger record on crime reduction highlights his ability to deliver consistent public safety gains—a top concern for many New Jerseyans. While Baraka edges out slightly with his progressive vision and voter resonance, Fulop’s pragmatic results make him a formidable contender. This race will hinge on whether voters prioritize affordability and charisma or safety and stability.