New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr., is releasing the following

statement:

“This morning, the New Jersey Democratic State Committee (NJDSC) filed with the Secretary of State a letter removing Commissioner Steve Sweeney and appointing Laura Matos as a Democratic Commissioner to the Apportionment Commission.

“This decision comes as the result of careful consideration, with much deliberation, and in concert with a number of party leaders across the State.  As Chair of the Democratic State Committee, it is my responsibility and duty to select standard bearers who will best represent the Democratic Party’s interests on the Commission and ensure a strong and representative party moving forward. No person or organization’s goals and ambitions are above the interests of our party and the people of this State.

“It is in that spirit and in reflection on input that the Apportionment Commission has received, that I have exercised my authority to make this change to the Democratic Delegation. This decision was necessary to protect the future of the Democratic Party, and the integrity of the Commission as a whole.

“In appointing Laura Matos today, we are also taking a long overdue step to bring broader, more diverse voices and perspectives to the work that we have on the Apportionment Commission. In New Jersey, our diversity is our strength, and we must continue to build a party that reflects our great state.

“I look forward to working with Laura and the rest of the Commission to arrive at a legislative map that works for the people of New Jersey, recognizes regional concerns, and ensures that all of our communities get the representation they deserve.”

Laura Matos was born in Burlington County and currently serves as the Chair of the Pinelands Commission, Chair and President of Latina Civic PAC, formerly LUPE PAC, and Chair of the Women’s Caucus of the NJDSC. Her perspective as a resident of the populous shore region in Monmouth County, a native daughter of Southern New Jersey, and her experience working within three administrations and a former Commissioner on the 2020 New Jersey Complete Count Commission makes her uniquely qualified to sit on this Commission. Matos’s career includes advocacy for issues that impact underrepresented communities and a relentless pursuit of representation and inclusion for the Latinx community.