Essex County Lawmaker Mila Jasey Will Retire From NJ Assembly: Reports

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A longtime Democratic state assemblywoman with deep roots in Essex County has announced her plans to retire from the Legislature, reports say.

Politico first reported Mila Jasey’s pending retirement, which the New Jersey Globe has confirmed.

Jasey’s retirement from the Legislature comes a year after redistricting changed the boundaries of several towns in her area. As reported by the Globe:

“Jasey had commitments of support for re-election after redistricting moved her political base, South Orange and Maplewood, from a wealthy but safe Democratic suburban district that included Livingston and Millburn in Essex and extended to Madison and Harding in Morris, into the urban, but still hugely Democratic, 28th district that provides for Irvington and parts of Newark. But Jasey, who takes care of her 97-year-old mother, has decided 16 years in Trenton and eight on the school board was enough.”

Jasey will serve out the remainder of her term, but will not seek re-election, Politico reported.

Although it’s still unclear what candidate Essex County Democrats will back for Jasey’s spot in the Assembly, it’s likely to be someone from Maplewood, the Globe reported.

Jasey was first elected in 2007, and serves as chair of the state Assembly Higher Education committee and vice chair of the Assembly Education committee. She previously served on the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education from 1999 to 2007.

In recent years, Jasey has spearheaded several bills involving education and reproductive rights.

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Her fellow Democrat in the Assembly, John McKeon, said the assemblywoman is the “quintessential public servant.”

“Integrity, empathy, intelligence and kindness all combined in what is an unparalleled career as legislator,” McKeon said. “Her service to our state will be sorely missed. However, she leaves behind a longstanding legacy on public education and reproductive freedom.”

The new 27th district includes Livingston, Millburn, Montclair, Roseland and West Orange in Essex County, and Clifton in Passaic County. The new 28th district includes Irvington, Maplewood, Newark and South Orange in Essex County, and Hillside in Union County.

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