 Booker began his political career as a Newark city councilor from 1998 to 2002 . He ran for mayor in 2002 , but lost to incumbent Sharpe James ; he ran again in 2006 and won against deputy mayor Ronald Rice . During his tenure as mayor , Booker 's priorities were reducing crime and encouraging economic development projects . He gained a national reputation for his personal involvement in public service , particularly through his use of social media tools such as Twitter to connect with constituents . 
