Ruiz Chosen As NJ Senate Majority Leader; 1st Latina To Hold Seat

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — New Jersey Sen. Teresa Ruiz has been chosen as the new Senate majority leader, Democratic leaders announced Friday.

Ruiz represents Belleville and Newark. She recently won re-election to her seat in the 29th district, along with Assembly members Eliana Pintor Marin and Shanique Speight. Read More: Ruiz, Pintor Marin, Speight Win Elections In NJ-29, AP Says

Ruiz, who will be the highest-ranking Latina in the history of the New Jersey Legislature, was first elected to the Senate in 2008. She has served as Senate president pro tempore since 2018 and as assistant majority leader from 2010 to 2017. She has served as chair of the Senate Education Committee since 2010 and as a member of the Senate Budget Committee.

• See related article: Essex County Latina Senator Makes History In NJ (Again)

Senate Democratic leaders chose Sen. Nicholas Scutari as president, and Sen. Sandra Cunningham as president pro tempore. The full Senate will officially vote for the three seats on Jan. 11 when the Legislature convenes for the 2022-23 session.

“I want to thank my colleagues for electing me to serve as the Senate Majority Leader for the upcoming legislative session. I am honored to be the first Latina to hold this position,” Ruiz said.

“Together with Sen. Scutari, Sen. Cunningham and the entire Democratic caucus we can work to create policy and improve government that works for everyone who calls New Jersey home,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz got congratulations from U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, who said it was a “historic” milestone.

“I cannot think of a more qualified, more experienced, and a more ready individual to be the next Senate Majority Leader than Senator Teresa Ruiz,” Menendez said. “Today is truly a historic day in our state and I couldn’t be prouder that Senator Ruiz will be the first Latina to serve in this role.”

“For well over a decade, I have seen firsthand the level of commitment Sen. Ruiz has for her constituents, and the passion she has for advancing causes from education and social justice to immigration and women’s health care,” Menendez continued. “I know her grit and determination, as well as her fiery, no-nonsense Newark attitude will serve her well in this role and will help ensure that bold, progressive policies that will have a real impact on hardworking families across New Jersey make it to the governor’s desk.”

“This is a momentous time for the Latino community in New Jersey and across the country, and I know Teresa will make us all proud,” Menendez said.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. also praised Ruiz’s selection.

“I am proud that she continues to break barriers in state government,” DiVincenzo said. “Essex County and Newark are represented well in Trenton because of her strong leadership and advocacy.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said Ruiz has always "fought tirelessly" for Newark families and the growth of the city.

"As mayor of Newark and president of the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association, I believe this is long overdue and exceptionally necessary during this time, when so much is at stake for our collective future," Baraka said. "We all support her and will stand beside her in creating opportunities and smart legislation to move our state forward."

NJ ADVOCATES: 'THE TIME IS NOW'

Prior to Friday’s announcement, many political pundits in New Jersey had been wondering who would replace longtime Senate president Steve Sweeney after his stunning defeat in the 2021 election.

A coalition of Black and Latino leaders in New Jersey called on the Legislature to select a person of color to replace Sweeney, a white man.

“While unexpected, the outcome of Tuesday’s election presents an opportunity for people of color in New Jersey,” said Richard Smith, president of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference.

“There is lots of work to do to dismantle structural racism and address discrimination in our state, and that work must be led by people of color,” Smith said. “Legislators must be honest about the racial makeup of our state and must select a leader that represents the voices and interests of our people.”

The Rev. Eric Dobson, deputy director of the Fair Share Housing Center, pointed out that the state already has a white, male governor and a white, male Assembly speaker.

“Almost half of New Jersey’s residents are people of color,” Dobson said. “Our legislative leadership must reflect those demographics.”

• See related article: Newark Is Still New Jersey's Largest City – Here's Why It Matters
• See related article: De Peña Marks Another 'First' For Belleville's Latina Community

“The time is now,” said the Rev. Charles Boyer, founding director of Salvation and Social Justice.

“New Jersey leads the nation in racial disparities across almost all indicators of well-being,” Boyer said. “We need leaders that truly understand what that means for our communities and are committed to policy solutions that address it.”

Christian Estevez, president of the Latino Action Network, was also among those calling for lawmakers to chose a person of color for the Senate president seat.

“As New Jersey’s Latino population continues to grow, legislative leadership must also change to reflect the current makeup of our state,” Estevez said. “We must hold our leaders accountable in making decisions that advance the interests of all New Jerseyans, not just the white residents.”

• See related article: Nia Gill Of Montclair Guns For NJ Senate President Seat

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