Benjie Wimberly, left, being sworn in to the state Seante by Senate President Nicholas Scutari in Trenton on Jan. 30, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Senate Democrats)
Two lawmakers were sworn in to their new seats in the Legislature Thursday to fill vacancies left by reshuffling in Congress and the upper chamber.
Sen. Benjie Wimberly was sworn in at the beginning of the Senate session Thursday with his family beside him. The Passaic County Democrat, who is moving to the upper chamber after seven terms in the Assembly, said he plans to tackle similar issues as he did in the Assembly, like housing, health care, and college affordability.
“I’m not shifting too much on my goals, just in a different house now,” Wimberly said.
Senate President Nick Scutari (D-Union), who swore in Wimberly, said he looks forward to working with the new senator.
Wimberly replaces Rep. Nellie Pou (D-09), who left the Senate when she became the first Latina to represent New Jersey in the House of Representatives. Wimberly was chosen by Democratic county committee members in the 35th Legislative District to take Pou’s place, beating out Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter by one vote, according to the New Jersey Globe.
Assemblyman Balvir Singh (D-Burlington) was also sworn in Thursday to replace Rep. Herb Conaway Jr. (D-03), who also won election to the House in November. Singh, a former Burlington County commissioner, also previously served on the Burlington Township school board.
Singh is the first Sikh member of the state Legislature. He was born in Punjab, India, and moved to New Jersey as a child.
“I’m so looking forward to this great journey,” said Singh, who was sworn in by Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex).
In a statement, Coughlin said Singh’s background in education and public service will “undoubtedly make him a powerful advocate for his constituents and a key voice in the Caucus moving forward.”
Singh is the third person to join the Assembly this month. On Jan. 23, Assemblywoman Melinda Kane (D-Camden) replaced Pamela Lampitt, who left the Assembly to become Camden County’s clerk, and Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz took Wimberly’s place.
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