NEWARK, N.J. — Kabir Moss, a widely respected and beloved figure in New Jersey politics who served as a legislative aide, communications strategist, and spokesman for numerous prominent Democratic officials, has died at age 37. Moss passed away Tuesday at his home in Newark, his family confirmed. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Originally from Sacramento, California, Moss made New Jersey his adopted home, forging a deep personal and professional connection to the state. Over the past decade, he became a central behind-the-scenes force in the political communications arena, known not only for his strategic acumen but also for his authenticity, idealism, and integrity.
Moss began his political journey in New Jersey on a local campaign in Monmouth County before moving on to the Statehouse in Trenton. There, he quickly rose through the ranks, working in the state Senate Majority Office and later advising a slate of influential lawmakers. His roles included serving as a key staffer to former Senate President Steve Sweeney, retired Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, current U.S. Rep. Nellie Pou (then chair of the Senate Latino Caucus), and Senate Health Committee Chairman Joe Vitale.
Most recently, Moss was the communications director for Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka’s gubernatorial campaign. Baraka, who finished second to U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill in last month’s Democratic primary, remembered Moss as more than a political aide — he called him a “political humanitarian.”
“He actually believed a better tomorrow was real, and that we had the obligation to transform society,” Baraka said in a statement. “Kabir worked as the press agent on my campaign for over a year, and I spoke to him almost every day. He was a rare idealist in a time of cynics… I will miss him greatly.”
Moss’s death has sent waves of grief throughout the New Jersey political community and beyond. Tributes from lawmakers, journalists, and friends have poured in, painting a picture of a man both widely admired and deeply loved.
U.S. Rep. Pou, one of his longtime mentors, expressed her heartbreak on social media.
“Kabir was not only a dedicated public servant with a tremendous work ethic and remarkable creativity,” she wrote, “but also an invaluable resource in helping to educate New Jersey residents about the work of their government.”
Those who worked with him remember Moss for his relentless reliability and gracious demeanor. He was a constant presence at the Statehouse and campaign trail — tall, blonde, and always ready to return a reporter’s call, no matter the hour.
“He was a top political operative,” said Brent Johnson, a veteran political reporter with NJ Advance Media. “He was very well liked, very well respected. In this industry, to have someone that sincere, kind, and informative — and who also served the politicians he worked for so well — is a very rare combination. This is a terrible loss.”
Moss’s personal life was rooted in New Jersey, too. He married Chelsea Moss, a Montclair native, and although the couple later separated, he remained close with his extended family there. His mother-in-law, prominent Essex County attorney Nancy Erika Smith, described him as “the kindest person I ever met.”
“He was an extraordinary person,” Smith said. “I’ve never known anyone like him.”
The family had just celebrated Moss’s birthday over Independence Day weekend with a round of golf and a gathering at Montclair Country Club. A natural athlete, Moss took to the sport quickly, reportedly shooting in the 70s after just a couple of seasons.
Moss is survived by his parents, Cedar and David Moss of Madison, Wisconsin; his brother, Gabriel; and his former wife, Chelsea Moss.
His unexpected death has left a void not only in the lives of those closest to him but also in the broader political landscape of New Jersey, where his sincerity, strategic insight, and belief in a better future stood out in a field often marked by skepticism.
Plans for a memorial service are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Kabir Moss, 1987–2024. A dedicated public servant, a trusted voice in New Jersey politics, and, above all, a kind and idealistic human being.