“Running the Court, Running for Office: Kenyatta Stewart’s Political Move”

I don’t usually write about politics. My lane is sports—calling the action courtside on national TV or radio broadcasts, covering the NCAA tournaments, Final Fours, the Super Bowls, or breaking down NBA Playoffs as a broadcaster and journalist. But occasionally, a story cuts through party lines and talking points. One that echoes the heart of every great comeback, every underdog triumph, every buzzer-beater moment.

That’s why, when asked to interview Kenyatta Stewart—as a fellow Patersonian who grew up playing on the same cracked courts, dodging the same obstacles, and dreaming beyond the same city blocks—I didn’t hesitate to say yes. I didn’t do it for any political affiliation or endorsement- I did it because I witnessed his maturation, work, and commitment to his community- his story deserves to be told.

Paterson, New Jersey, is a city where easy wins and respect are hard to come by. It’s where you learn to grind, hustle, and develop a mental toughness that rivals any championship team’s resolve. We come from a place that makes you earn every inch. And Kenyatta Stewart? He earned every single step.

Kenyatta’s journey is remarkable, from the Christopher Columbus Projects (CCP) to the courtroom, from the street corners to the corridors of power and community impact. He’s been the floor general of his own purpose—like a point guard, he makes plays, stays focused under pressure, and leads with humility and integrity. Today, as Corporate Counsel for the City of Newark and one of the most respected attorneys in the state, he’s not just winning—he’s making his presence felt, impacting the game, and improving everyone around him in the process. 

Now, he’s stepping onto a new court: running for the New Jersey General Assembly in the 35th District.

This isn’t just about politics—it’s about a purpose. It’s about someone who knows the struggle, who’s felt the weight of expectations, and who’s still pushing pace, controlling tempo for a better future. Kenyatta isn’t just running for office—he’s running to represent the people with the same drive and grit he used to navigate through his upbringing. 

I sat down with him to talk about that journey—about resilience, service, and what it means to come back home and lead from the front.  

Where were you born and raised?

“I, Kenyatta Stewart, was born and raised in Paterson, NJ.”

Talk about some of your biggest influences growing up:

“My father, Keith Stewart, was one of my most significant influences growing up.”  

When did the interest in law occur?

“Growing up in a city where I saw injustice and resilience, my interest in law started early. I watched people in my community struggle not because they lacked talent or potential but because they lacked access, resources, and representation. I realized that the law wasn’t just something used against us; it could be a tool to fight for us. That realization lit a fire in me. That’s what led me to become an attorney, and that same passion drives me today as I run to represent the 35th District.”

“You grew up in Paterson, NJ, the third largest city in New Jersey. Talk about that experience.”

“Growing up in Paterson shaped everything about who I am. It’s a city full of culture, talent, and heart, but it’s also one where you learn how to navigate struggle, be resilient, and look out for your neighbors at an early age. ” 

“You led civil actions against negligent landlords and even other municipalities. What are your views on holding government and private entities accountable through legislation when they negatively impact underserved communities?“

“I believe accountability is non-negotiable, whether it’s a slumlord exploiting tenants or a government agency failing the very people it’s supposed to serve. That’s why I support strong, enforceable legislation that holds both public and private entities accountable when they contribute to harm, whether environmental injustice, housing violations, or lack of access to basic services. ” 

“As Corporation Counsel, you supported economic redevelopment projects. How would you leverage that experience to stimulate equitable economic growth and job creation in the broader 35th District?“

“As Corporation Counsel, I had a front-row seat to how bright, intentional development can transform communities—but only when done with the people, not just around them. I helped shape deals that brought investment into Newark while protecting public interests, and I’d bring that same strategic approach to the 35th District. In Trenton, I’ll push for policies that attract businesses while demanding local hiring, fair wages, and community benefits.””

“You’ve done extensive work in voter rights education and community mentoring. How would you ensure civic engagement and voter empowerment become central to your legislative work?“

“Civic engagement isn’t a side issue; it’s the foundation of our democracy. That’s why I’ve spent years mentoring young people, educating residents about their rights, and showing up in neighborhoods where voter engagement is too often an afterthought. As a legislator, I’ll take that commitment to the next level.”

“You’ve helped broker peace agreements between rival gangs in Paterson and advocated for restorative justice. How would you use that real-life experience to shape legislation around public safety, police reform, or violence prevention?“

“My work in conflict mediation and restorative justice taught me that public safety isn’t just about policing but prevention, trust, and investment. In the Assembly, I’ll fight for community-based violence intervention programs, mental health crisis response teams, and restorative practices that heal, not just punish. I’ll also advocate for smart, responsible police reform, ensuring departments have the tools for accountability, transparency, and training rooted in cultural competency and de-escalation.”  

“You’ve accomplished a lot in the legal and civic space—what inspired your decision to now run for the State Assembly, and how do you see this role expanding your impact?“

 “I realized we need more voices at the table who understand what’s happening on the ground. This run for State Assembly isn’t just the next step for me; it’s the natural evolution of my service. I want to bring real, lived experience to Trenton, rooted in justice, grounded in community, and focused on results.” 

“As someone deeply involved in housing justice, what specific housing policies would you champion at the state level to protect tenants and improve affordable housing options in the 35th District?“

“Housing is a human right; in a district like ours, too many people are one rent increase away from displacement. I’ve seen the consequences of housing insecurity up close, and as an Assemblyman, I’ll fight for policies that center the needs of tenants and working families.”

“What policies would you support or recommend to encourage entrepreneurship and small business growth, particularly for minority and women-owned businesses?“

“To truly unlock entrepreneurship and small business growth, especially for minority- and women-owned businesses, we must boldly confront the racial wealth gap that has persisted for generations. This isn’t just an economic issue; it’s a justice issue. It’s about creating a society where talent, vision, and hard work are met with opportunity, not barriers. I would champion a transformative, multi-layered approach: 

1. Invest in Education as Economic Power. We cannot expect innovation to thrive in communities where schools are underfunded, and opportunity is rationed  

2. Expand Access to Capital and Ownership:   I would support state-backed grants, low-interest loans, and technical assistance tailored to minority and women entrepreneurs.  

3. Prioritize Procurement Equity: I would advocate for legislation that expands supplier diversity in state and local government contracts, ensuring that minority and women-owned businesses are not invited to compete but are positioned to win.

 4. Build Wealth Through Housing and Homeownership: I support policies that expand down payment assistance, protect against predatory lending, and invest in community land trusts that stabilize neighborhoods while creating long-term equity for working families. 

5. Close the Equity Gap in the Workplace: I would also support funding for inclusive workforce development programs that connect women and people of color to high-growth industries. 

6. Restore Access and Dignity Through Justice Reform Economic: I support comprehensive justice reform centered on restorative practices, fair sentencing, and reentry programs that help individuals reestablish their lives and livelihoods.

 7. Center Health as an Economic Issue: I would push for greater access to quality, affordable healthcare and investments in community-based clinics and wellness initiatives because thriving entrepreneurs need thriving bodies and minds.” 

“Your personal act of donating a kidney to your father speaks volumes about your values. How do those personal experiences shape your leadership style and how you plan to serve constituents in Trenton?“

“Donating my kidney to my father was one of the greatest honors of my life. It wasn’t a difficult decision; it was instinct. When someone you love is in need, you show up. You give what you can; you sacrifice.”