​On May 9th, 2025, the Mayor of Newark, Mr. Ras J. Baraka, was arrested for attempting to exercise his lawful oversight over Delany Hall, an immigrant detention facility operating illegally in the city. Soon after, Guy Citron, and Tyler Powell, candidates for New Jersey State Assembly in Legislative District 23, were heading to the Department of Homeland Security building on Frelinghuysen to advocate, along with hundreds of others, for the Mayor’s release. This is why Mayor Ras Baraka is endorsing Citron & Powell for Assembly. They are all standing up to tyranny, together.

Mayor Baraka’s endorsement underscores a shared commitment to Democracy and Human Rights. Government must answer to the people it serves, not the other way around. “In a moment when civil liberties are under threat, we need leaders who will not look the other way,” Baraka said. “Guy Citron and Tyler Powell understand that public office is about protecting communities and defending democracy, not about playing politics or avoiding hard truths.”

Authoritarian overreach is sadly our new reality. In response, Citron and Powell have made safeguarding constitutional rights and transparent government core planks of their campaign. From advocating for common sense immigration policies, to protecting everyone’s First Amendment right to speak (and read), they have pledged to resist the quiet creep of anti-government, anti-science, and hate-inspired tyranny. “This campaign is about making sure New Jersey remains a place where civil rights are non-negotiable,” Citron said. “Mayor Baraka’s courage reminds us that democracy requires action, not silence.”

(Citron & Powell outside the DHS facility in Newark where Mayor Baraka was held)

The candidates deeply respect Mayor Ras Baraka’s role-modeling of civic engagement. They also stressed the importance of participation by every resident. “Authoritarianism thrives when people feel powerless,” Powell noted. “But our communities are strongest when we show up, speak out, and vote. This endorsement isn’t just about our campaign, it’s about inspiring every New Jerseyan to stand for fairness and freedom.” In application, Citron & Powell have led concerned citizens, in non-partisan fashion, to advocate at local land use, school board, and rent leveling meetings. They pledge to do so even after they are elected.

With Mayor Baraka’s endorsement, Citron and Powell continue to build a coalition committed to justice, transparency, and the protection of fundamental rights for all.