Weinberg Elected State Senate Majority Leader

State Senator Loretta Weinberg, of Teaneck, was elected Senate Majority Leader today after Barbara Buono announced she would not seek reelection to her leadership post.

Earlier, politickernj.com had reported the Senate Democratic caucus was prepared to get rid of Buono, of Middlesex County, in favor of Weinberg. According to NJ.com, Buono was offered a shared leadership role with Weinberg. Buono dismissed that idea in a letter to senators, the website reported.

Weinberg, who often, said she would use the leadership role to advocate for women, health care, families, the environment and job creation, according to a blog post on northjersey.com. 

"I am thrilled to serve in this capacity and would like to thank my fellow senators for placing their faith and trust in me,” Weinberg said in a statement.  “While we must work in a bipartisan manner to get things done for New Jersey, my colleagues and I will not yield an inch in our fight for the hard working families who have had their taxes go up under this governor, or the women who have had their health services decimated, or the folks who can't find work.  I look forward to working closely with my fellow senators and achieving what is in the best interests of the people of  New Jersey."

The news comes after Weinberg and fellow District 37 Democrats . 

Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem) will remain as Senate President.