Newark City Council South Ward in Newark, New Jersey

2026 Primary Election

• Abdush S. Ahmad — Former Employee, Essex County Sheriff's Office in Newark, New Jersey

  Abdush Shahid Ahmad is a resident of Newark. He previously worked in the civil process division of the Essex County Sheriff's Office. In 2018, he was charged with attempted extortion for allegedly soliciting payments for non-public information regarding properties under foreclosure.

• Lonnie T. Baker — Candidate in Newark, New Jersey

  There is limited public information available for Lonnie T. Baker of Newark, New Jersey. His candidacy is noted from the input data for the 2026 election.

• Patrick O. Council — Incumbent City Councilman, South Ward in Newark, New Jersey

  Patrick O. Council is the current council member for the South Ward, having assumed office on July 1, 2022. His term is set to end on June 30, 2026. With over 20 years of administrative and community advocacy experience, he previously served as an educator and school board member. Council has announced his campaign for reelection in 2026, running with 'Team Baraka', the slate aligned with Mayor Ras J. Baraka.

• Donald L. Jackson — South Ward District Leader in Newark, New Jersey

  Donald L. Jackson serves as a South Ward District Leader in Newark. His campaign emphasizes community-focused leadership and ensuring that residents' voices are heard and respected in decision-making processes.

• Willie S. Jetti — Candidate in Newark, New Jersey

  There is limited public information available for Willie S. Jetti of Newark, New Jersey. His candidacy is noted from the input data for the 2026 election.

• Trenton E. Jones — Former City Legislative Aide in Newark, New Jersey

  Trenton E. Jones is a lifelong resident of Newark who attended Cleveland Elementary School and Malcolm X Shabazz High School. He previously worked as a legislative aide for former South Ward Councilman John Sharpe James and later for At-Large Councilman Eddie Osborne. Jones ran for the South Ward council seat in the May 10, 2022, election.

• Asia J. Norton — Former President, Newark School Board in Newark, New Jersey

  Asia J. Norton is a Newark native who grew up in the South Ward. She is a former teacher and served as an elected member and president of the Newark Board of Education, leaving office in September 2023. Norton graduated from Simmons College, earned a master's degree from Columbia University Teachers College, and enrolled at Rutgers Law School in 2020 to better address inequities in her hometown.