Generational Conflict in Urban Politics: the 2002 Newark Mayoral Election

Abstract

The 2002 Newark mayoral election represents a new trend in contemporary politics: a contest between an older African-American incumbent and member of the new generation of African-Americans politicians, who often hold different views and political attitudes than their older counterparts. In the end, the older incumbent won using his formidable political organization and against an inexperienced challenger. Mayor Sharpe James drew on a deep well of relationships—both local and national—that he established over decades as a Newark politician and effectively branded the insurgent Cory Booker as an outsider. The author concludes that younger African-American politicians, who tend to be more moderate than their older counterparts, have difficulty winning support among older African-American voters.

Recommended Citation

Kraus, Jeffrey (2004) "Generational Conflict in Urban Politics: the 2002 Newark Mayoral Election," The Forum: Vol. 2 : Iss. 3, Article 7.
DOI: 10.2202/1540-8884.1030
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/forum/vol2/iss3/art7