Assembly Speaker Craigh Coughlin, left, swearing in Assemblywoman Melinda Kane in Trenton on Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Assembly Democrats)
The Assembly added two new members Thursday to fill vacancies left when two former state lawmakers were sworn in to their new offices.
Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz (D-Passaic), a former Paterson councilman and the longtime Paterson Democratic chair, was sworn in to replace Benjie Wimberly, who left the Assembly to fill a state Senate seat formerly held by Nellie Pou. Pou left the Legislature to represent the 9th District in the House of Representatives.
“Representing the 35th Legislative District is both a privilege and a profound responsibility,” Abdelaziz said in a statement. “I am ready to bring my dedication to fostering inclusivity and empowering others to the table as we work together to strengthen our schools, ensuring every voice is heard.”
Abdelaziz and Wimberly — who has not been sworn in to the upper chamber yet — won their new roles after votes by Democratic committee members in the 35th District.
Meanwhile, Assemblywoman Melinda Kane, a former Camden County commissioner and Cherry Hill councilwoman, was sworn in to replace Pamela Lampitt, who left the Assembly to become Camden County’s clerk.
“I have always believed in the power of community and the vital importance of giving back. It is truly an honor to serve the residents of New Jersey’s 6th Legislative District,” Kane said in a statement.
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin performed swearings-in for both of the new members.
Democratic county committee members in Burlington County’s 7th Legislative District have yet to select a successor to Herb Conaway, who left the Legislature after he was elected to fill the 3rd Congressional District’s House seat.
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