AAUW NJ calls for Governor Phil Murphy to appoint a woman of color to the US Senate

New Jersey must continue to forward the cause for diversity in the US Senate

The New Jersey State Affiliate of the American Association of University Women (AAUW NJ) calls upon Governor Phil Murphy to appoint a woman of color to the US Senate seat that is to be vacated by Senator Robert Menendez on August 20. New Jersey has NEVER been represented by a woman in the US Senate and this abysmal record can no longer be allowed to continue. After more than a hundred years of women having the right to vote, it is past time for New Jersey to send a woman to the United States Senate.

There have been women in the Senate since 1922. According to data from the Center for American Women and Politics, eight states have been concurrently represented by two women senators. Currently there are 25 women serving in the US Senate, of which only one is a Latina, one is Black and two identify as Asian. New Jersey has a unique opportunity to not only nominate its first woman Senator but to increase representation and diversity in a body that is all too white and male. AAUW NJ calls for the Governor to make history by not only appointing New Jersey’s first female Senator but also by choosing a woman of color to fill the seat.

“New Jerseyans take pride in  the diversity of the state’s population, and its progressive values,” said Sharon Suber, President of AAUW NJ. “We have strong protections for women’s reproductive health and one of the strongest equal pay laws in the nation. We have removed barriers and ensured women-friendly workplaces through our broad family leave policy so that women have an opportunity to provide for and take care of their families. And yet, we are plagued by continued underrepresentation of women in elected office. Sending a woman to the United States Senate will be one step in the right direction and we cannot allow this opportunity to slip through.”

About American Association of University Women of New Jersey (AAUW NJ)
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. AAUW NJ is the state affiliate of AAUW, representing almost a thousand members in 18 branches and 9 colleges throughout the state. Our branches and members are active across New Jersey — from Sussex County in the North, all the way to Cape May County. Learn more and join us at aauwnj.org.

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