Sheila Montague
Sheila Montague
Newark Mayor winner?
$20.1K
MAY 13, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Overview
Current roleEducator (teacher; curriculum writer)
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
GenderFemale
LocationNew Jersey
BackgroundEducator (teacher; curriculum writer)
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EducationKean University — Secondary Education (major); African American Studies (minor)
Notable personal detailsSheila Montague is a Newark, New Jersey educator and community organizer who has run for mayor of Newark (2022 and 2026). She has worked in Newark-area education as a teacher and curriculum writer and has served as an adjunct professor at Essex County College. She is a Kean University graduate and holds a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Seton Hall University. Montague has also been active in local civic and political organizing, including service as a West Ward district leader.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
The candidate supports auditing the city budget and reappropriating existing funds to prioritize residents’ needs (education, housing, public safety) and reduce spending she views as excessive; she also criticizes corporate and developer influence on city spending. There are no clear public statements in the available sources endorsing specific tax increases or tax cuts.
Healthcare
Supports expanding access to healthcare with a focus on comprehensive maternal healthcare, maternal mental health, and addressing disparities in health outcomes; advocates for restoring reproductive rights. Does not present an explicit endorsement of single‑payer/Medicare for All in available public statements.
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Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports restoration of Roe v. Wade and protection of abortion rights as part of broader maternal health protections. Advocates for comprehensive maternal healthcare, prenatal and postpartum care, and reproductive rights restoration at the federal level.
Climate & Energy
Positions on climate and energy are limited in publicly available campaign materials; she has raised concerns about flooding, infrastructure, and unsafe drinking water, emphasizing funding and infrastructure fixes but has not published a clear platform on emissions targets, clean-energy transition, or fossil-fuel policy.
Public Safety & Guns
Sheila Montague emphasizes public safety and police accountability while prioritizing community-based responses to violence. She has supported giving the civilian Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) subpoena power, criticized policing relationships with street organizations, and has called for better resources for police alongside investments in violence prevention.
News
Sheila Montague is in the news as one of 12 Newark mayoral and city council candidates who signed a letter asking the U.S. Department of Justice to provide federal election monitoring. The candidates say they want oversight to prevent potential fraud and ensure a fair election. The request has stirred 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