Nia Gill Of Montclair Guns For NJ Senate President Seat

MONTCLAIR, NJ — After longtime New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney’s apparent defeat in the 2021 election, a vacuum is developing in one of the state’s most important positions of power. But Sen. Nia Gill of the 34th district says that she’s ready to step up to the plate.

And that means meeting a “mandate for change” from Garden State voters, the Montclair resident says.

The New Jersey Globe reports that Sweeney intends to concede the race, and set an election to choose a new State Senate President for this Friday. Sweeney has held the post since 2010.

• See related article: Sweeney To Address NJ Senate Election Results

Along with Sen. Nick Scutari of the 22nd district, Gill – who represents Clifton, East Orange, Montclair and Orange – is now in the running to replace Sweeney at the head of the state Senate.

Gill announced her candidacy in a news release last week. She wrote:

“On Tuesday, the voters spoke, and with their voices, resoundingly rejected the business of politics as usual. This past election resulted in a mandate for change from the voters. We must meet that mandate and reestablish transparency and accountability within the Statehouse. This includes ensuring the ability for all senators to be equally serviced by the staff and resources of the Statehouse. This includes guaranteeing the public has access to all proceedings. This includes giving legislators and the people ample time to review and provide input on proposed legislation before it proceeds for a vote.”

Gill continued:

“We are at a pivotal moment for the future of the state of New Jersey. This pivotal moment includes choosing who will be the next Senate president after Sen. Sweeney’s departure. As Senate president, I look to lead our chamber in a way that reflects and is responsive to meet our state’s rich diversity of needs. As we continue to rebuild our communities and deal with the impacts of COVID-19, we must choose a leader who will heed the voters’ call and meet this moment for change. We must not be tempted by the path of least resistance and perpetuate the same dynamics the voters so clearly rebuked. I understand and have seen what makes the institution of the Senate critical for our future. We must choose a leader with a background and experience that can help meet the needs of our diverse state.”

Gill concluded:

“I am committed to working with each member of the legislature in all 40 districts to address the issues raised by the voters and ensure the continued prosperity of our state. We must heal the divisive nature of our politics and move forward, together, for a stronger New Jersey. I am ready to meet this moment with the gravity it demands; I ask for your support.”

On Nov. 2, Gill pulled off an Election Day victory of her own, according to unofficial results, defeating Republican challenger Scott Pollack in a landslide victory. Read More: Nia Gill Beats Scott Pollack In NJ-34 Senate Race, AP Says

Gill has served in her current post since 2002, and previously served in the New Jersey Assembly. The Montclair resident holds a degree from Rutgers School of Law, and has recently sponsored bills in the areas of voting rights, education aid, gun control and home foreclosures.

"The biggest problem the 34th district faces is the burden of high property taxes," Gill told Patch during her re-election campaign. "This is a result of our school funding formula not being fully funded increasing the burden on municipalities. As senator, I plan to continue to advocate for the full funding of all our school districts in Trenton."

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