Assembly swears in 12 new members

The state Assembly swore in a dozen new members Tuesday afternoon, officially kicking off the state’s 222nd Legislature. 

The 12 new assemblymembers, all Democrats, will contribute to a 57-23 Democratic majority, their largest majority since 1973.

Craig Coughlin of Middlesex County began his fifth term as Assembly Speaker. In a speech, he welcomed the new legislators and touted the bills of the 221st Legislature.

“Each of you is part of a bright and remarkably talented group of men and women with the potential to make a profound difference in the lives of the people that we serve,” Coughlin said. “And here’s a happy note: we’re diverse. We’re lucky to welcome a teacher, a sheriff’s officer, a doctor, and a housing advocate, and also, more lawyers!”

“The good news is, only 50% of the new class is lawyers,” he joked.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka joined Assemblyman Kenyatta Stewart (D-Paterson) during his swearing-in, and Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage joined Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Elizabeth) while she took the oath of speaker pro tempore.

The 12 new assemblymembers: Maureen Rowan (D-Atlantic City); Anthony Angelozzi (D-Hammonton); Ed Rodriguez (D-Elizabeth); Andrew Macurdy (D-Summit); Vincent Kearney (D-Garwood); Marisa Sweeney (D-Morristown); Chigozie Onyema (D-Newark); Jerry Walker (D-Jersey City); Ravi Bhalla (D-Hoboken); Katie Brennan (D-Jersey City); Larry Wainstein (D-North Bergen); and Kenyatta Stewart (D-Paterson).