Essex County Latina Senator Makes History In NJ (Again)

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — New Jersey’s State Senate has its first Latina president pro tempore: M. Teresa Ruiz.

Ruiz, who became the first Latina to serve in the New Jersey Senate in 2008, represents the state’s 29th district, including Newark and Belleville. She was elected to her new leadership position last week, and will also continue serving as chair of the Senate Education Committee.

The Senate president pro tempore possesses all the powers of the president and is responsible for carrying out the duties of the president in his absence. Ruiz will also preside over Senate voting sessions if the president desires to temporarily vacate the chair.

“I am honored to be chosen by my colleagues to serve as Senate President Pro Tempore, and to be a part of this leadership team,” Ruiz said. “I am also very proud to be the first Latina to serve in a leadership position in the New Jersey Senate. I have often said that it is our diversity that makes our state great and that make our institutions strong. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the new session to expand opportunities for families in the state and to improve the quality of life for all residents.”

• See related article: US Senate Committee Had 1 Black Member In 200 Years (Until Now)

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Photo: New Jersey Senate Democrats Press Office