Debra Salters
Debra Salters
Newark Mayor winner?
$20.1K
MAY 13, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Overview
Current roleEducator
Political ideologyProgressive Independent
LocationNew Jersey
BackgroundEducator
Notable personal detailsDebra L. Salters is a Newark, New Jersey educator and community activist who ran for mayor of Newark in 2026. She has also been a candidate for the Newark Board of Education (2024) and previously ran for the New Jersey General Assembly in the 29th Legislative District (2021). She describes herself as self-employed as a CPR/AED instructor and OSHA 30 trainer, and as founder of the nonprofit Newark One Ward Wide.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports restoring annual homeowner tax rebates and revisiting tax and water rates; advocates fiscal transparency and cutting excessive municipal salaries to redirect funds to city services; prioritizes economic development that creates jobs and truly affordable housing.
Healthcare
Supports ensuring city workers have a comprehensive health plan that provides adequate care and reduces financial burden. Position emphasizes expanding access and affordability for municipal employees rather than proposing privatization or repeal of public programs.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate has identified "immigration reform" as a priority and has expressed concern about border monitoring and perceived lack of consequences for migrants, indicating support for stronger enforcement-oriented changes rather than expanded protections. Her campaign platform does not include detailed immigration policy proposals.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Has expressed that abortions are not contraception; her campaign website and platform do not present a detailed policy or clear position on abortion or reproductive rights. Available public materials show at least one forum remark on abortion but no comprehensive policy statement.
Climate & Energy
Supports local environmental actions such as planting more trees and neighborhood cleanup and has described flooding in the district as a consequence of climate change, but does not present specific climate or energy policies (e.g., emissions targets, clean energy investments, carbon pricing, or fossil-fuel phase-out plans).
News
Debra Salters is in the news as one of the Newark mayoral and city council candidates who signed a letter asking the U.S. Department of Justice to provide federal election monitors. The candidates say they want oversight to prevent potential fraud and ensure a fair election. The request has drawn controversy and points to concerns about the “Continue Moving Newark Forward” slate led by Mayor Ras J. Baraka.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements
- Fundraising