Meet Candidates of the June Primary Election
Overall, the Bergen County Black Caucus plans to be a vital force for positive change, empowerment, and representation for the Black community in Bergen County. Through its advocacy, engagement, and collaboration efforts, it plans to help advance social, economic, and political progress for Black residents and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive Bergen County for all its residents.
2025
Meet Ras Baraka Candidate for Governor, State of New Jersey
Ras Baraka, the current mayor of New Jersey’s largest city, is deeply invested in the future of New Jersey and holds a steadfast belief in its potential. As he pursues the governorship, Baraka’s vision for the state is anchored in the core values of equity, opportunity, and community. By prioritizing economic growth, educational advancement, housing accessibility, and inclusive policies, he seeks to empower every resident to thrive and contribute to the state’s prosperity. Baraka’s unwavering belief in New Jersey’s capacity for greatness drives his commitment to building a brighter and more inclusive future for all of New Jersey.
2025
Meet Sean Spiller Candidate for Governor, State of New Jersey
Before Sean Spiller was a candidate for Governor, he served as the Mayor of Montclair, served our community as a public school teacher, rose to the rank of President of the New Jersey Education Association, and is most importantly a husband and dad who gets to walk his kids to school each morning. Sean’s parents immigrated with their family to America and instilled in him the importance of education. Sean took his parents’ dedication to education to heart, graduating from Montville public schools, captaining the Rutgers University hockey team, and earning a master’s degree from Ramapo College. In fact, he was so dedicated to education that he decided to become an educator himself to impact kids every day. But Sean’s impact extends far beyond his students. As the President of one of the largest unions in New Jersey, there have been countless times where Sean has fought for policies to ensure that people are able to support their families. As the Mayor of Montclair, Sean has been a champion for smart, green development, helped reduce the town’s tax burden while implementing a debt-reduction plan, addressed the high cost of housing, and has helped make the school system even stronger.
2025
Meet Assemblywoman Shama HaiderCandidate for Assembly District 37
Shama Haider started her activism in Pakistan as a college student protesting against military dictatorship. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Punjab in Pakistan. After moving to the United States in 1977, she settled down in the Borough of Tenafly in Bergen County, New Jersey. During her professional career she helped to fundraise for a non-profit focusing on funding arts programs for schools. Shama became an active member of her community by participating in municipal boards and parent teacher associations. She was elected to local council in both 2001 and 2015. Most recently, Shama made history by becoming the first Muslim American elected to serve in the state legislature. In her second term, she is a Deputy Majority leader and Chair of the Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee. She also serves on the Assembly Health and Appropriations Committees.
Your active participation is vital in supporting the re-election of Black candidates in Bergen County. By engaging in this crucial effort, you contribute to the preservation and advancement of Black representation in local government. Your support ensures that the voices and concerns of the Black community are heard, represented, and acted upon effectively. Together, we can uphold diversity, equity, and inclusivity in our local leadership, fostering a stronger and more equitable Bergen County for all its residents. Get involved today to make a difference and help secure the continued success of our Black candidates!
