Might 15, 2025
James was often known as considered one of Jersey’s strongest politicians, main high-profile efforts to draw improvement alternatives to Newark
Sharpe James, Newark, New Jersey’s longest-serving mayor, died Might 10, CNN reviews. He was 89.
James served for a record-breaking 5 phrases, by no means shedding an election.
The Democratic chief first entered politics when he secured a seat on the Newark Metropolis Council in 1970. He turned the town’s mayor in 1986 after beating Kenneth Gibson, who served for 16 years.
James served a complete of 20 years. He was reelected 4 occasions earlier than in the end altering his thoughts to not run in 2006 after saying he would. An up-and-coming Metropolis Councilman named Cory Booker, changed him.
“Sharpe James was a beloved pillar of our shared group, serving the Metropolis of Newark for twenty years as mayor and giving practically 4 a long time of his life to public service,” Senator Booker stated in a press release. “I’m deeply saddened by his passing.”
Charismatic and outfitted with a larger-than-life persona, critics deemed him flamboyant and brash. However James was often known as one of many state’s strongest politicians, main high-profile efforts to draw improvement alternatives to Newark. He supported constructing an area within the metropolis. The Prudential Heart opened in 2007.
Whereas nonetheless serving as mayor, James was appointed to the New Jersey Senate in 1999 after Sen. Wynona Lipman died. He gained an election later that yr to finish her unexpired time period and gained two full phrases.
Sharpe’s success was overshadowed after he turned the main target of a federal investigation after he was accused of steering city-owned land to his girlfriend. He additionally confronted allegations of charging hundreds of {dollars} on city-based bank cards for private bills, together with journey.
He was convicted in 2008 and spent 18 months in federal jail.
“Sharpe was a real champion for the town who was dedicated to its residents, working relentlessly to enhance their high quality of life…,” New Jersey Senate President Nick Scutari wrote on X. “Sharpe James made a distinction within the lives of numerous folks.”
New Jersey Senate Majority Chief Maria Teresa Ruiz stated Sharpe’s legacy will influence generations to return.
“Mayor James embodied Newark’s grit and dedication and fiercely advocated for the folks he served, each as Newark’s chief and as State Senator,” Ruiz stated in a press release, in accordance with New Jersey Information 12.
RELATED CONTENT: Michael B. Jordan Receives First Star On Newark Stroll Of Fame