Statements on the Senate Democratic leadership election

U.S. SENATOR BOB MENENDEZ

“I want to congratulate Senator Nick Scutari on becoming the next Senate President. For almost 20 years, Senator Scutari has committed himself to advancing social justice and economic equity in New Jersey. Union County residents have seen him fighting on their behalf throughout his time in the legislature and I know as Senate President he will continue advocating for hardworking families across the state.

“Alongside Governor Murphy and other state leaders, Nick will help move our state forward while ensuring New Jersey remains the top state to live, work, and raise a family. I’m happy to have Nick as a partner in the state as we work on behalf of New Jersey’s nine million residents.”

“I cannot think of a more qualified, more experienced, and a more ready individual to be the next Senate Majority Leader than Senator Teresa Ruiz. Today is truly a historic day in our state and I couldn’t be more proud that Senator Ruiz will be the first Latina to serve in this role. Having a Latina in this top leadership position will ensure New Jersey’s vibrant Latino community has a strong voice advocating for them every single day in Trenton.

“For well over a decade, I have seen firsthand the level of commitment Senator Ruiz has for her constituents and the passion she has for advancing causes from education and social justice to immigration and women’s health care. I know her grit and determination, as well as her fiery, no-nonsense Newark attitude will serve her well in this role and will help ensure that bold, progressive policies that will have a real impact on hardworking families across New Jersey make it to the Governor’s desk.

“I congratulate Teresa on this new role and wish her great success. This is a momentous time for the Latino community in New Jersey and across the country, and I know Teresa will make us all proud.”

NEW JERSEY AFL-CIO PRESIDENT CHARLES WOWKANECH

“Senator Scutari was a strong leader as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and has the experience to lead as the Senate President.  He has worked his way up through the ranks from Linden School Board to the Senate Presidency.  We are confident that he will be a strong advocate for all of New Jersey’s working families”

DEMOCRATIC STATE CHAIRMAN LEROY JONES, JR.

“I would like to congratulate my friend Senator Teresa Ruiz for making history as the first Latina to hold the position of Majority Leader. A strong, determined, and progressive leader, Senator Ruiz has always advocated for New Jersey’s working families, for Black and brown communities, and for our most vulnerable populations. I am confident that with her leadership, as well as the leadership of Senate President Scutari and the rest of his diverse and experienced team, Governor Murphy, and Assembly Speaker Coughlin, New Jersey will continue to lead the way on pursuing a bold policy agenda that delivers the kind of meaningful progress for working and middle class families that we must strive for.”

NEW JERSEY CANNABUSINESS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT EDMUND DEVEAUX

“On behalf of the NJCBA leadership and membership, I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Senator Scutari. He has been a true leader in the cause for social justice and economic parity as it relates to the state’s cannabis community. We feel his ascension to the office of Senate President is recognition for his years of hard work, not just for the cannabis industry, but to the state of New Jersey. As with his predecessor, our friend Senate President Sweeney, we stand ready to offer our policy advice and counsel as we move forward with an adult-use and expanded medical cannabis market.”

ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE JOSEPH DIVINCENZO 

“Congratulations to NJ State Senator Teresa Ruiz on being elected as the first Latina to serve as NJ State Senate Majority Leader. I am proud that she continues to break barriers in State government. Essex County and Newark are represented well in Trenton because of her strong leadership and advocacy.”

ASSEMBLYWOMEN ELIANA PINOTOR MARIN AND SHANIQUE SPEIGHT

“We are extremely proud of Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz on her history-making election today as the first female Latina Senate majority leader in New Jersey. As her district running mates, we are inspired by her leadership and in awe of her fearless dedication to protecting the state’s most vulnerable residents. She is a role model for young women everywhere, but especially for girls who come from cities like Newark. We know she will be a remarkable leader in the Senate and continue to steer legislation that ensures New Jersey is a fair and equitable state for all.”

STATE SENATORS PAUL SARLO AND JOSEPH LAGANA, AND STATE SENATOR-ELECT GORDON JOHNSON

“As a champion for New Jersey’s hardworking families, Nicholas Scutari is exactly the leader we need in the Senate to advance our shared priorities and build on the progress we’re achieving for our state. Working alongside Senator Scutari, we know he’s a leader we can count on to fight for what matters, to strengthen opportunities for everyone, and to help our communities recover from the pandemic stronger than ever. We have no doubt that Senator Scutari will help us achieve our goals for Bergen County and lead the way towards a brighter future for our entire state. With Senator Scutari, Senator Teresa Ruiz and Senator Sandra Cunningham, we have assembled an outstanding leadership team, that will ensure everyone who calls New Jersey home has a voice in the Senate.”

IUJAT and USWU

“The International Union of Journeymen and Allied Trades (IUJAT) and United Service Workers Union (USWU) congratulate Senator Nick Scutari on his election today as New Jersey Senate President. Senator Scutari has proven to be a great public sector leader and a strong friend of organized labor.

“The IUJAT and USWU represent 10,000 men and women in New Jersey and hundreds in District-22, and we have no doubt that they will continue to have a strong advocate in Senator Scutari. IUJAT & USWU look forward to continuing to work with Senator Scutari, as he assumes this important new leadership role, to continue his advocacy for the lives of working New Jerseyans.

“The union has worked collaboratively with Senator Scutari on numerous priority issues in Trenton, including his sponsorship of Senate Bill 3534, to ensure our state’s key, critical, front line Paratransit workers are paid fairly when they are required to remain out on our state’s streets and highways at times of state emergencies.

“IUJAT & USWU would also like to congratulate Senator Teresa Ruiz and Senator Sandra Cunningham on their elections to the majority leader and president pro-tempore.”

ASSEMBLY SPEKAER CRAIG COUGHLIN

“My congratulations to Senator Scutari. As Chair of the Judiciary Committee, he has been a true leader in shaping the court. I have also worked closely with him in tackling large issues from cannabis legalization to increasing fairness in our judicial system. His approach to forging consensus will serve our state well. I am confident that in this next term we will have a strong working relationship enabling us to chart the Legislature’s path forward.

“I also want to thank Senate President Sweeney for his service. Senate President Sweeney is a tremendous advocate for his region and the causes he believes in, and together we have accomplished a great deal.

“Building a good and solid relationship with Senator Scutari in his role as Senate President, I know we will continue making progress to deliver for the people of New Jersey.”