If Sen. Sandra Cunningham Resigns, Black Woman Should Repalce Her, Coalition Says

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Following a news report this week that New Jersey Senate President Pro Tempore Sandra Cunnigham has been hospitalized for 54 days, a state activist group released a statement Thursday saying that a Black woman should replace her if she resigns.

On Tuesday, the New Jersey Globe, in a detailed report citing anonymous sources, said that Sen. Cunningham has been hospitalized for more 56 days, has a state-appointed lawyer handling her personal affairs, and may never return to the state Senate.

Cunningham, a Democrat, serves as the State Senate President Pro Tempore. For the last 15 years, she has represented Bayonne and part of Jersey City as 31st District state Senator.

The Globe story said that a leading contender to replace Cunningham for the rest of her term would be Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop's chief of staff, John Minella.

On Thursday, a coalition called the United Black Agenda said in a statement that Cunningham has represented well the interests of people of color in New Jersey.

"The UBA is devastated by the news of Senator Cunningham’s declining health," they wrote. "Her leadership in advancing policies to create meaningful change for communities of color in New Jersey is unparalleled. Her resignation from the Senate will leave a huge void in leadership that represents the interests of Black people and other communities of color in New Jersey."

They added, "She is also one of the most powerful, longest serving Black legislators
in the State. We must be intentional about who we are replacing a Black legislator with, given how hard-fought Black representation has been in this country and this state. Whoever is picked to replace Senator Cunningham—whether temporary or permanent—must be a Black woman."

"This is one of the most diverse legislative districts in one of the most diverse states in the nation, and the district's delegation in Trenton must reflect that, particularly given that the state legislature already fails to represent the rich diversity of the state. It is time to put action behind our words when it comes to ensuring Black representation."

A spokesperson for the coalition said Thursday that they don't have any more information than what was in the Globe story.

On Tuesday night, following up on the Globe story, NJ.com published a story saying that Cunningham probably won't run for re-election in November 2023 due to "health issues," also citing an anonymous source.

They were unable to confirm the health matters cited by the Globe.

Cunningham, 72, holds a seat once held by her late husband Glenn Cunningham, who became Jersey City mayor in 2001 and died in office in 2004.

When asked by Patch on Wednesday whether Cunningham has been hospitalized for more than a month, and whether she would return, a spokesperson for the State Senate said, "We are declining to comment at this time."

During her career, Cunningham has been the primary sponsor of more than 80 bills, often making higher education accessible for people who might otherwise having difficulty going to college.

Recent bills touched on subjects ranging from simplifying college financial aid applications to limiting rent increases for nursing homes.

Last year, news outlets reported that a video of Cunningham showed her "swaying" following a DWI arrest. However, she was found not guilty, with NJ.com reporting that she had two prescription drugs in her system and no alcohol. She also pleaded guilty to DWI in 2005.