By Ras Baraka For Governor Campaign
Photos: Ras Baraka Campaign\YouTube Screenshots\Wikimedia Commons
New Jersey (March 5, 2025) – In a new poll conducted by Farleigh Dickinson University, of all Democratic gubernatorial candidates, Mayor Ras J. Baraka was rated by Democratic voters as the most favorable, with strong leads among Black, Hispanic, male and female voters. In addition, Baraka has the greatest name recognition among all candidates. This poll makes clear that while others spend millions on promotion, Baraka’s grassroots movement and hands-on retail politics are resonating and his message on working-class issues is connecting across the state.
“This is what real grassroots looks like – door to door, from thrift shops to barbershops, living rooms to kitchen tables,” said Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “Even without millions of dollars behind us, our message is breaking through because we’re focused on what truly matters: uniting people around the issues that working families face every day and making sure the voices too often ignored are finally heard. This is a movement built on people power, not big money, and the fact that it’s resonating across New Jersey proves that when you stay true to your values and fight for what’s right, the people show up, ready to build something better together.”
The poll, which was conducted over five days in late February, showed that Mayor Baraka leads the Democratic gubernatorial field with a +31 percent net favorability rating while 78 percent of Democratic voters recognize Baraka. Among men, Baraka holds a 49 percent approval rating and a 40 percent favorability rating among women – both of which are the highest of any candidate in the field. With Black voters, Baraka has earned a commanding 63 percent favorability rating – with every other candidate below 20 percent – and 40 percent among Hispanic voters, 14 percentage points higher than the next-highest candidate.
These strong name recognition numbers demonstrate how Baraka has built a strong reputation as a bold and results-driven leader for New Jersey’s future. Baraka’s high favorability clearly show New Jersey Democratic voters support his agenda for economic growth, educational advancement, housing accessibility, and inclusive policies. This poll clearly shows that Baraka is both the most liked and the most popular candidate to lead New Jersey and build a strong and prosperous future for all New Jerseyans.
