Scutari re-elected Senate President, Ruiz gets another term as Majority Leader

Senate President Nicholas Scutari and Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz won the unanimous support of Senate Democrats for new terms, keeping them in their leadership posts for the next two years.

“The successful election will provide additional momentum for Senate Democrats to build on the progress we have made on key issues,” Scutari said.  “ look forward to working with Majority Leader Ruiz, the Democratic caucus, and other state leaders to continue to move the state forward.”

There was no announcement of who will succeed Sandra Cunningham (D-Jersey City) as President Pro-Tempore.  A cognitive health issue has kept her away from Trenton since June 2022 and she did not seek re-election.

Scutari will lead a caucus of 25 Democrats after his party picked up a Senate seat and defending three incumbents targeted for Republicans in Tuesday’s midterm election.

Scutari had been the longtime chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2021 when Senate President Steve Sweeney unexpectedly lost his 3rd district Senate seat.  Within a few days, he had secured the votes to get the post.

Despite his feud with Democratic powerbroker George Norcross, the five Democratic senators from South Jersey backed Scutari for re-election.

Ruiz became majority leader two years ago after Loretta Weinberg retired.  First elected to the Senate in 2007, Ruiz is the highest-ranking Latina in New Jersey political history.

“First and foremost, thank you to the residents around New Jersey who came out to support me and my colleagues in this year’s elections.  I am grateful to our caucus members for again electing me Senate Majority Leader for the upcoming legislative session,” Ruiz said.  “Together with Senate President Scutari and the entire Democratic Caucus, we are ready to get to work creating policies and improving government services for everyone who calls New Jersey home.”

Next year’s Senate Democratic caucus will include six new members: John Burzichelli (D-Paulsboro), who defeated Republican Ed Durr this week; John McKeon (D-West Orange); Angela McKnight (D-Jersey City); Paul Moriarty (D-Washington Township); Raj Mukerji (D-Jersey City); and Britnee Timberlake (D-East Orange).