Quijano announces re-election bid, will back Granados

Assembly Speaker Pro-Tempore Annette Quijano (D-Elizabeth) will seek re-election to the Union County-based 20th district seat she’s held since 2008.

“We have succeeded in bettering our community through our many legislative successes in Trenton, such as expanding family leave protections and enacting the strongest wage theft protections in the country – but there is still more work to do,” said Quijano.  “With the challenges ahead of us coming from Washington, DC it is more imperative than ever that we have leaders who are unafraid to stand up for what is right.”

This time, Quijano will run with Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, who announced this morning that he would seek the open seat created by the retirement of two-term Assemblyman Reginald Atkins (D-Roselle).

“I am thrilled that Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados is seeking the Democratic nomination for Assembly. I have known Commissioner Granados for many years, and I know that he truly represents what this district is all about. He’s hard-working and shares the same set of values that makes our community so special,” said Quijano.  “He has a proven track record of delivering for our community through his work in Union County, and this extensive experience sets him up to be an effective legislator on day one.”

A third Elizabeth candidate in the race was Eduardo Rodriguez, who had served as director of planning and community development in Mayor Christian Bollwage’s administration.

As she seeks a new term, Quijano touted her achievements as a member of the Assembly Democratic leadership team.

“I’m proud of the historic investments we’ve made in our schools, colleges, and community centers. And I’m proud of securing greater protections and resources for our seniors, children, houses of worship, and workers. I’m proud of the work we have done to address the inequity in our laws and judicial system,” she said.  “I have worked with my fellow members to address these issues and to help make New Jersey more affordable, more equitable, and more resilient. You can always count on me to stand up for our communities.”

Quijano first went to the legislature in a 2008 special election convention after Deputy Majority Leader Neil Cohen (D-Roselle) resigned and later went to prison for procession of child pornography on his legislative office computer.  In that race, she defeated Elizabeth City Councilwoman Patricia Perkins-Auguste by five votes, 87-82.

Before joining the legislature, Quijano worked as chief of staff to State Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Elizabeth) and as an assistant counsel to three Democratic governors.

Quijano also praised her running mates, State Sen. Joseph Cryan (D-Union) and Atkins, calling them “tireless workers” and saying she was “incredibly proud of what we have been able to accomplish fighting together.”

“ Assemblyman Atkins has been a dynamic, caring leader and a great partner in our district,” she said  “I have enjoyed working together and look forward to seeing the positive impact he continues to have in our community as he moves on from the legislature.

Quijano has been serving as Majority Conference Leader until her elevation to the Speaker Pro-Tempore role earlier this week.  She replaced Benjie Wimberly (D-Paterson), who resigned following his election to the State Senate this month.

Speaker Pro-Tempore puts Quijano in the gubernatorial line of succession: if Phil Murphy, Tahesha Way, Nicholas Scutari, Craig Coughlin, Matt Platkin, Fran O’Connor, and Shirley Turner are all out of state at the same time, the Speaker Pro-Tempore becomes acting governor.

The last time that happened was in December 1976 when Speaker Pro-Tempore Ronald Owens (D-Newark) was called upon to serve.  Gov. Brendan Byrne was in Lake Tahoe, and others ahead of him were unavailable.