Sharpe James Dead At 89, Former Newark Mayor Mourned In New Jersey

NEWARK, NJ — Sharpe James, the former New Jersey state senator and mayor of Newark, died at the age of 89, officials announced Monday.

James – a Democrat – was Newark’s longest-running mayor, serving at the head of the city from 1986 to 2008. He also served as a state senator in the 29th district from 1999 to 2008.

The fiery Newark politician was a subject in the film “Street Fight,” which depicted the city’s 2002 mayoral election and the race between James and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker.

Booker, a Newark resident, was among those mourning the former mayor’s death.

“Sharpe James was a beloved pillar of our shared community, serving the City of Newark for two decades as mayor and giving nearly four decades of his life to public service,” Booker said.

“I am deeply saddened by his passing, and I extend my most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him throughout Newark,” he added.

James’ political career hit a brick wall in 2008 after he was convicted on 33 federal charges involving the sale of city property to his girlfriend. He was sentenced to 27 months in prison and released early in 2010. James unsuccessfully attempted to run for a city council seat in 2022 despite a court order banning him from running for public elected office.

The late firebrand’s legacy will be one of hope and resilience, however, according to statements from several New Jersey politicians.

Many mourners said they remember James – Newark’s second Black mayor – for his efforts to build up the economy of New Jersey’s largest city, including Gov. Phil Murphy.

“During his long tenure as mayor of Newark, he fought to revitalize the city’s economy and played a key role in making vital cultural institutions – like the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Prudential Arena – a reality,” Murphy said.

U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver said James helped to shape the very identity of the city.

“Under his leadership, Newark saw significant development, and his deep commitment to the city he loved left a lasting imprint that will be remembered for generations,” McIver said.

The city’s current mayor, Ras Baraka, also mourned James’ passing.

“In his 20 years in office as mayor, Sharpe James was many things: a warrior for our city, a unifier for its people, a powerful force to launch development like New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Prudential Center, and a strong advocate for Newark and its people,” Baraka said.

“He was also an outstanding educator and an inspiration to generations of Newark residents,” Baraka continued. “Our relationship included competition, conflict, and collaboration, and through it all, helped define me, my values, and my aspirations for this city. The Newark we live in is, in many ways, a city he created.”

State Sen. Teresa Ruiz (NJ-29) said James was one of the city’s most iconic and influential leaders, embodying Newark’s “grit and determination.”

“He championed Newark’s unique and vibrant culture and was a key force in the city’s revitalization, bringing affordable housing opportunities and new development to our neighborhoods,” Ruiz said, pointing to his advocacy for the expansion of the Newark Museum, among other contributions.

“Mayor James is as much of a monument to this city as the institutions he brought us, and his legacy and impact will be felt for generations,” Ruiz said.

State Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker (NJ-28) said James’ death is a “tremendous loss” for the city. She said he ushered in many positive changes, including housing, development and the arts.

“Mayor James will be solely missed, but his impact and legacy will live on,” Tucker said.

Leroy Jones Jr., chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, called James a “dynamic leader” who had a deep love and belief in his hometown.

“The people of Newark loved him for his passion for public service and vibrant personality,” Jones said. “My condolences are with his family at this time.”

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. recalled when he used to play tennis against James in the latter's younger days.

"He governed much like he played – always charging forward and never letting anything slip past him," DiVincenzo said, adding that Newark has lost one of its "loudest cheerleaders."

Newark Councilman Patrick Council said that James’ death has left his district of the South Ward reeling.

“[James] was a fighter and champion for all of Newark,” Council said. “His energetic and optimistic focus on the development and growth of this city led the charge of revitalization and hope for a city that was coming through challenges.”

“Mayor James' relentless effort to lift up this city should never be forgotten,” Council said.

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