After leaving an emotional virtual announcement by Senator Loretta Weinberg,
Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle reflects on her relationship with Senator
Loretta Weinberg, a friend, mentor and colleague:

It is difficult to imagine the New Jersey Legislature without Senator Loretta Weinberg.
Senator Weinberg’s influence and leadership as Senate Majority Leader will leave an
enduring impact on New Jersey.

Throughout her career, Senator Loretta Weinberg has been a force for progress and
change. As her partner in District 37, I am proud to have worked alongside Senator
Weinberg to advance a progressive agenda. It has been an incredible honor to partner
with my dear friend, colleague and mentor on legislation to improve access to
reproductive healthcare, pay equity, paid family leave, Port Authority Reform, gun
control, advance workers’ rights and to defend the rights of the LGBTQ community. Most
recently, I am proud to have partnered with Senator Weinberg on a comprehensive
legislative package to better support sexual assault survivors in our State.

In addition to Senator Weinberg’s many policy achievements, she has also earned her
place as a leader in New Jersey’s women’s movement. I would like to thank Senator
Weinberg for her work to lift up other women in politics, myself included. There remains
so many barriers for women to break through in this field, but Senator Weinberg has
certainly done her part to open doors for New Jersey’s women.

While I respect Senator Weinberg’s decision to retire, there is no question that her
absence will leave a void that will be felt by both the legislature and the state. With much
more work still remaining to help advance true equality for women, I believe the 37th
Legislative District would be best served by someone with her same level of passion and
commitment to this cause.

I have looked up to Senator Weinberg throughout my career, I have learned from her and
I am honored to have worked alongside her. I hope to preserve and advance her legacy.
Therefore, I intend to run for Senate and I intend to serve as District 37’s Senator in a way
that would make Senator Weinberg and the people of the 37th Legislative District proud.”