Lesniak to serve as Senate Democrats’ special counsel

Former State Sen. Ray Lesniak (D-Elizabeth) will serve as special counsel to the upper chamber’s majority caucus, Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-West Deptford) announced Monday.

“Raymond Lesniak has a wealth of experience with some of the most significant issues of our time,” Sweeney said. “He will provide invaluable guidance on the policies that will shape our agenda and important insight on legal issues that determine the legislative process. He was a brilliant lawmaker who never lost his passion for public service or his willingness to ‘fight the good fight.’ We are fortunate to have him back.”

Lesniak left the legislature following an unsuccessful gubernatorial bid in 2017. His career in the statehouse lasted 40 years, five in the Assembly and 35 in the State Senate. Those years saw him lead pushes for legalized sports gambling, the abolition of the state’s death penalty and same-sex marriage.

He has remained somewhat active following his departure, advocating for a handful of bills, including Nosey’s Law, which banned the use of wild or exotic animals in traveling animal acts, like circuses. He is now president of Kean University’s Lesniak Institute for American Leadership.

“I am pleased and gratified to be back involved with the issues of importance to New Jersey and look forward to working with my former colleagues in the Senate,” Lesniak said. “I want to express my sincere gratitude to Senate President Sweeney for this opportunity.”