Sharpe James facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sharpe James
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Official portrait, 1987
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| Member of the New Jersey Senate from the 29th district |
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| In office June 21, 1999 – January 8, 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Wynona Lipman |
| Succeeded by | Teresa Ruiz |
| 37th Mayor of Newark | |
| In office July 1, 1986 – June 30, 2006 |
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| Preceded by | Kenneth A. Gibson |
| Succeeded by | Cory Booker |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 20, 1936 Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | May 11, 2025 (aged 89) West Orange, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Mary Mattison |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater |
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Sharpe James (born February 20, 1936 – died May 11, 2025) was an American politician from New Jersey. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served as the 37th Mayor of Newark from 1986 to 2006. He also served as a state senator for the 29th legislative district from 1999 to 2008.
Sharpe James was the longest-serving mayor in Newark's history. A film called Street Fight was made in 2005 about the 2002 Newark mayoral election. This film showed his close election against Cory Booker. His political career ended after some serious issues came up in 2008.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Sharpe James was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on February 20, 1936. His father passed away before he was born. His mother later remarried and moved to Newark in 1940. James grew up in Newark.
He graduated from South Side High School. This school is now called Malcolm X Shabazz High School. He earned a college degree in education from Montclair State University. He also received a master's degree in physical education from Springfield College.
James continued his studies at other universities. These included Washington State University, Columbia University, and Rutgers University. He also served in the U.S. Army in Germany. Before becoming a politician, James worked as a teacher. He was also an athletic director and a professor at Essex County College.
Political Career
Serving on the City Council
Sharpe James was first elected to public office in 1970. He became a South Ward Councilman in the Municipal Council of Newark. He was reelected to the council in 1974. He won by a very large margin.
He was elected for a third term in 1978. In 1982, he became the first ward councilman to win an at-large seat. This meant he represented the whole city, not just one part. As a councilman, he led New Jersey's Black and Hispanic delegation.
In 1977, he worked to stop Concorde jets from landing at Newark International Airport. He said they would cause more air and noise pollution. In 1983, a TV host made a negative comment about Newark. James demanded an apology, and the host sent him a letter.
Becoming Mayor of Newark
On January 30, 1986, James announced he would run for Mayor of Newark. He challenged the current mayor, Kenneth A. Gibson. James won the election on May 13 and became mayor on July 1.
He was the first Newark mayor to run without anyone challenging him in 1990. He easily won re-election in 1994 and 1998. James became Newark's longest-serving mayor when he won an amazing fifth term in 2002. The film Street Fight showed his 2002 campaign against Cory Booker. James won this close election.
In his early years as mayor, James was known for wearing jogging suits. He also worked hard to bring new businesses to Downtown Newark. In 1997, the famous New Jersey Performing Arts Center was completed in Newark. James was known for his strong political style.
In 1987 and 1988, James led Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign in New Jersey. In 1992, James was part of the Electoral College for New Jersey. He voted for Bill Clinton and Al Gore.
In the 1990s, James worked to improve housing in Newark. He aimed to replace large, empty housing projects with smaller homes. After the September 11 terrorist attacks, James offered help to nearby Jersey City to support New York City.
In 2006, James supported moving the New Jersey Devils hockey team to Newark. The Prudential Center is a new sports arena in the city. On March 16, James planned to run for re-election. However, eleven days later, he announced he would not seek a sixth term.
Serving in the State Senate
In June 1999, while still Mayor, James was appointed to the New Jersey Senate. He filled the seat of the late Senator Wynona Lipman. He won the election for that seat in November. He was re-elected for a full term in November 2001. He continued to hold both the mayor's and senator's jobs. His Senate district included parts of Newark and the Township of Hillside.
From 2002 to 2003, James was an Assistant Democratic leader in the Senate. From 2004 to 2005, he was an Assistant Senate Majority leader. He became vice chairman of the Senate budget committee in 2004. On April 9, 2007, James announced he would not run for re-election to his State Senate seat.
Later Life
In 2013, James published a book called Political Prisoner. He had written it while in prison. That same year, he helped his son, John Sharpe James, with his election campaign. His son won a seat on the Municipal Council of Newark. Also in 2013, James supported Cory Booker for U.S. Senator. Booker was the person James had defeated in the 2002 Newark mayoral race.
In 2022, James tried to run for Newark City Council again. However, a court order prevented him from running for public office. His application was denied. He tried to sue, saying he could run even if he couldn't hold office. A judge dismissed his lawsuit.
Personal Life and Passing
Sharpe James and his wife, Mary, had three sons. He passed away at a care home in West Orange, New Jersey, on May 11, 2025. He was 89 years old.
Awards and Honors
In 1988, Montclair State University gave James an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. In 1991, he received an honorary doctorate from Drew University.
See Also
- 2002 Newark mayoral election
- List of mayors of Newark, New Jersey
