Statements on the Retirement of Senator Loretta Weinberg

SENATE PRESIDENT STEVE SWEENEY

“This will be a profound loss for the Senate as an institution and for me personally. I have had the good fortune to have Loretta as my leadership partner for a decade. She made me a better Senate President.

“Loretta Weinberg is the Lioness of the New Jersey Senate. She is fearless in speaking her mind and standing up for her beliefs, and she is selfless in fighting for the needs of others, especially those who face disadvantages or experience hardship.

“Loretta embodies the ideals of public service, and the lives of countless people are better for it. From marriage equality, to pay equity for women and minorities, paid family leave, gun safety, government ethics, the rights of sexual assault survivors, and the responsibilities of public transit agencies to serve riders and motorists, she has made a lasting impact.

“Fortunately, Loretta will remain with us in the Senate for another year. I know she will continue to be a forceful presence, an effective leader, and continue to be the conscience of the Legislature. I know I speak for all of my colleagues in saying we will miss her when she leaves, but we will value forever our collaboration and friendship.”

GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY

I want to acknowledge Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, who is expected to make a big announcement later on today, and I will leave that announcement to Loretta.

But I want to say that Senator Weinberg has been a singular voice in the Statehouse championing progressive action since she entered the General Assembly in 1992.

She has proudly worn the mantle of New Jersey’s unofficial Jewish grandmother.

She has proven herself as a strong advocate and equally tough adversary, depending on which side of the aisle or which side of an issue you found yourself on.

I’ve been on both, by the way, but she is all heart and I look forward to working with her not just in her current capacity, but for many years to come.

I don’t think we need to speak about cementing a legacy. Loretta built an incredible one all by herself.

She and I spoke today. I told her I love her. She said even if I’m nagging you, I love you no matter what. And I did say this to her.

I think she’s got a case to be made as the most consequential legislator in the history of our state. God bless you, Loretta.

STATE SENATORS PAUL SARLO AND JOSEPH LAGANA

“We congratulate our Bergen County Senate colleague Loretta Weinberg on her retirement from the State Senate and thank her for her service to our State. Throughout her legislative career, she has been a tireless advocate and proud champion for the causes and issues important to her. During her more than 45 years in public office as a municipal, county and state official, Loretta never shied away from a fight that she felt was just and always had the courage to stand up for her principles. Loretta has earned the right to take a well-deserved opportunity to enjoy more time with her children and grandchildren. It has been an honor to serve with Loretta in the New Jersey Senate and we wish her health and happiness in retirement.”

ASSEMBLYMAN BOB AUTH

“We often disagreed, but I always walked away with a better understanding of the issue. When we found common ground, it was a lot of fun working with her. I wish Senator Weinberg the best in the years ahead.

SENATE MINORITY CONFERENCE LEADER KRISTIN CORRADO

“In our short time working together, I have gained great respect for Sen. Weinberg’s dedication to tackling extremely difficult issues, her steadfast advocacy for survivors of rape and domestic abuse, and her fearlessness in standing up to those in power even within her own party.

“Her retirement from the Legislature is truly a loss for both our institution and the people of New Jersey she has honorably served for three decades. She has become a mentor and, more importantly, a friend. I will truly miss working with her.”

SENATE MINORITY LEADER TOM KEAN, JR.

“Loretta has been a good friend, a dedicated representative of her constituents, and at times, a worthy adversary. During her tenure in public office, the Senator’s steady, measured demeanor and thoughtful, authoritative voice helped her become an influential Democrat leader. I enjoyed working closely with her on several important bipartisan initiatives as her commitment to helping the people of New Jersey has always been undeniable. I look forward to continuing to work with her in the year ahead.”

STATE SENATOR/FORMER GOVERNOR RICHARD CODEY

“I’d like to wish Senator Weinberg the best in her retirement. She has been a true leader in New Jersey for a long time, and a good friend. Senator Weinberg has had a great career and I wish her another twenty years of good health with her family and friends around her.”

SENATE MAJORITY CONFERENCE LEADER VIN GOPAL

“Senator Loretta Weinberg has spent her career championing the rights of working families. When it is all said and done, she will go down in history as one of the most powerful voices in the history of the New Jersey Senate. She also has a very special place in the heart of Monmouth County as our adopted Senator who has done so much for the residents of our county. During my three years in the Senate, she has continually been my go to person for advice and guidance and I hope she will continue to play that role for not just me, but many others in the years ahead. I am happy that Majority Leader Weinberg will have more time with her family and grandchildren but hope she knows that we will all be calling on her even more now for guidance and advice.”

DEMOCRATIC STATE CHAIRMAN JOHN CURRIE

“I would like to congratulate Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg on her impending retirement after a long and distinguished career in public service. From advocating for greater government transparency to standing up for commuters to fighting for women’s reproductive rights, Senator Weinberg has been a tireless advocate for the causes she believes in. I wish her all the best in her retirement as she takes this important step into the next phase in her life.”

ASSEMBLYWOMAN VALERIE VAINIERI HUTTLE

“It is difficult to imagine the New Jersey Legislature without Senator Loretta Weinberg.

Senator Weinberg’s influence and leadership as Senate Majority Leader will leave an enduring impact on New Jersey.

Throughout her career, Senator Loretta Weinberg has been a force for progress and change. As her partner in District 37, I am proud to have worked alongside Senator Weinberg to advance a progressive agenda. It has been an incredible honor to partner with my dear friend, colleague and mentor on legislation to improve access to reproductive healthcare, pay equity, paid family leave, Port Authority Reform, gun control, advance workers’ rights and to defend the rights of the LGBTQ community. Most recently, I am proud to have partnered with Senator Weinberg on a comprehensive legislative package to better support sexual assault survivors in our State.

In addition to Senator Weinberg’s many policy achievements, she has also earned her place as a leader in New Jersey’s women’s movement. I would like to thank Senator Weinberg for her work to lift up other women in politics, myself included. There remains so many barriers for women to break through in this field, but Senator Weinberg has certainly done her part to open doors for New Jersey’s women.”

DEMOCRATIC STATE CHAIRMAN JOHN CURRIE

NEW JERSEY WORKING FAMILIES STATE DIRECTOR SUE ALTMAN

“We would like to thank Senate Majority Leader Weinberg for her tireless support of New Jersey families, and particularly her championing of women, is her decades of service to the people of her district and our state. Senator Weinberg blazed a trail for women in government and was a strong champion of issues, like gun control, that make our communities safer.”

U.S. SENATOR BOB MENENDEZ

“Throughout her career, Senator Loretta Weinberg has been a champion for equality and justice. Thank you for always fighting for what’s right. I’m proud to call you a friend and wish you a happy, healthy retirement.”

SENATE PRESIDENT PRO-TEMPORE TERESA RUIZ

“Loretta Weinberg has been a beacon of light, a warrior for women, a tremendous public servant, and above all a good friend. Since I started in the Senate her energy, her fight and her fire have always inspired me.

“Her tireless efforts to advance and protect the rights of women, minorities, members of the LGBTQ community, survivors of sexual assault, and all New Jerseyans speak to her legacy as a policymaker and will forever serve as a reminder that our work is never done.

“I have always been in awe of Loretta’s strong moral compass and unrelenting advocacy, and I am grateful we have one last year to cause good trouble together. While I will be sad to see her go, there is no one more deserving of a long relaxing retirement filled with family and friends than Senator Weinberg.”

ASSEMBLYWOMAN CAROL MURPHY

“Thank you to Senator Loretta Weinberg for her service to NJ residents over the years. She was an exemplary public servant and I wish her well in her retirement.”

NEW JERSEY AFL-CIO PRESIDENT CHARLES WOWKANECH

“Senator Weinberg helped transform the New Jersey workplace by sponsoring equal pay for women and paid sick leave. The ban on indoor smoking she sponsored has kept workers healthy, and the lower drunk-driving standard has made our roads safer. Senator Weinberg’s progressive vision aligns with the values of the Labor Movement. The New Jersey State AFL-CIO is eager to see all she will accomplish for working families in New Jersey this year, and we wish her a happy retirement in 2022.”

NEW JERSEY AFL-CIO SECRETARY-TREASURER LAUREL BRENNAN

“Senator Weinberg’s task force on sexual harassment in state politics has been a landmark effort. She identified a real and pervasive evil, and by convening a diverse group of experts, she put New Jersey on a path toward true gender equality.”

STATE SENATORS BOB SMITH, JOSEPH VITALE, LINDA GREENSTEIN AND PATRICK DIEGNAN

“Loretta Weinberg epitomizes what every great public servant should strive to be when elected to office. Throughout her career spanning more than 45 years of service to the public, Loretta’s passion and commitment towards the betterment of our state was always on full display. She has been a staunch advocate for a range of issues that have greatly improved the quality of life of many in New Jersey.

“Her tenacity and wisdom will be greatly missed in the State Senate. She has more than earned the time she will now be able to spend with her family.

“Congratulations, Loretta! We wish you health and happiness in retirement.”

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