Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Sharpe James

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 12, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Sharpe James made an impact.

Sharpe James was a prominent American politician who served as the mayor of Newark, New Jersey, from 1986 to 2006, making him the city's longest-serving mayor. He also served as a state senator. His political career was marked by both popularity and controversy, including a close mayoral election challenge from Cory Booker documented in the film *Street Fight*. James's career ended after his conviction on corruption charges in 2008, effectively ending his political career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1970: Elected South Ward Councilman

In 1970, Sharpe James was first elected to public office as a South Ward Councilman.

1974: Re-elected to Council

In 1974, Sharpe James was re-elected to the council, defeating his sole opponent by a ten-to-one margin.

1977: Led effort to halt Concorde landings

In 1977 Sharpe James led an effort to halt landings of Concorde jets at Newark International Airport, claiming it would add to air and noise pollution in the area.

1978: Elected to Third Term

In 1978, Sharpe James was elected to a third term as a councilman.

1982: Elected to At-Large Seat

In 1982, Sharpe James became the first ward councilman elected to an at-large seat.

January 30, 1986: Announced Mayoral Candidacy

On January 30, 1986, Sharpe James announced he would run for Mayor of Newark to challenge Kenneth A. Gibson.

1987: New Jersey Chairman for Jesse Jackson's Campaign

In 1987, Sharpe James served as the New Jersey chairman of Jesse Jackson's campaign for the 1988 Democratic Party presidential nomination.

1988: New Jersey Chairman for Jesse Jackson's Campaign

In 1988, Sharpe James served as the New Jersey chairman of Jesse Jackson's campaign for the 1988 Democratic Party presidential nomination.

1990: Unopposed Re-election

In 1990, Sharpe James was the first Newark mayor to run unopposed when he sought re-election.

December 1992: Electoral College Member

In December 1992, Sharpe James was a member of the New Jersey State Electoral College, casting his vote for the Clinton/Gore ticket.

1994: Won Re-election

In 1994, Sharpe James handily won re-election as mayor.

1997: Completion of New Jersey Performing Arts Center

In 1997, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center was completed in Newark.

1998: Won Re-election

In 1998, Sharpe James handily won re-election as mayor.

June 1999: Appointed to New Jersey Senate

In June 1999, Sharpe James was appointed to the New Jersey Senate to fill out the unexpired term of Senator Wynona Lipman.

November 2001: Re-elected to Senate

In November 2001, Sharpe James was re-elected for a full term in the New Jersey Senate and continued to hold both offices as mayor and senator.

2002: Assistant Democratic Leader of the Senate

From 2002, Sharpe James served as Assistant Democratic leader of the senate

2002: Re-elected for Fifth Term and Named "Mayor of the Year"

In 2002, Sharpe James was re-elected for an unprecedented fifth term and was named "Mayor of the Year" by the New Jersey Conference of Mayors. His reelection campaign against Cory Booker was documented in the 2005 film Street Fight.

2003: Assistant Democratic Leader of the Senate

In 2003, Sharpe James served as Assistant Democratic leader of the senate.

2004: Assistant Senate Majority Leader and Vice Chairman

From 2004, Sharpe James served as Assistant Senate Majority leader and became vice chairman of the Senate budget committee.

2005: Assistant Senate Majority Leader

In 2005, Sharpe James served as Assistant Senate Majority leader.

2005: Street Fight Feature Film

In 2005, the feature film "Street Fight" documented Sharpe James's 2002 reelection campaign against Cory Booker.

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2006: Championed Relocation of Devils and Filed for Reelection

In 2006, Sharpe James championed the relocation of the New Jersey Devils to Newark and filed for reelection as mayor, but then announced he would not seek a sixth term.

April 9, 2007: Announced Not Seeking Re-election

On April 9, 2007, Sharpe James announced he would not seek re-election to his State Senate seat.

2013: Published Book, Advised Son's Campaign, Endorsed Cory Booker

In 2013, Sharpe James published his book "Political Prisoner", advised his son John Sharpe James's election campaign, and endorsed Cory Booker for U.S. Senator.