Sadaf Jaffer Of NJ 16 Will Not Seek Reelection To State Assembly

PRINCETON, NJ — Assemblywoman Sadaf Jaffer announced Monday she will not seek reelection in 2023 after just one term in office. She represents New Jersey’s 16th legislative district.

Jaffer is one of the first three Asian American women and the first two Muslim Americans to serve in the New Jersey Legislature. More: NJ 16's Jaffer Becomes 1st Muslim American Member Of NJ Assembly

In her statement, Jaffer said she would focus on her work in higher education and spending time with her family, especially her daughter.

“It has been an honor to represent the people of the 16th District and the State of New Jersey, and I thank everyone who has supported me on this journey. I have endeavored to bring my perspective as a researcher, parent, and former mayor to the legislation I have sponsored, the votes I have cast, and the budget priorities for which I have advocated,” Jaffer said in her statement.

“I will continue to support legislation focused on women’s and reproductive healthcare, mental health, inclusivity, and good government.”

She thanked her running mates Sen. Andrew Zwicker and Assemblyman Roy Freiman for their partnership.

“I am proud to have been among a cohort to shatter glass ceilings,” she said. “I look forward to continued progress in the representation of women and minorities at all levels of government in the years to come.”

Jaffer served two terms as mayor of Montgomery Township and was elected to a two-year term in 2021.

Jaffer is also a researcher and lecturer at Princeton University where she teaches courses on South Asian, Islamic, and Asian American Studies.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and obtained her Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University.

New Jersey's 16th legislative district includes Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon and Somerset counties.

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