“Women deserve representation at every level of government, and that starts with determining how our state will be represented,” said Gopal (D-Long Branch). “This feels like a truism, but if women make up half of our state’s population, it feels obvious that they should make up at least half of our delegation to this important committee. In order to make sure that New Jersey’s government looks like New Jersey’s residents, we must ensure that every New Jerseyan has their voice heard throughout this redistricting process. To do so, this redistricting committee must include the voices and experiences of the women – as well as communities of color – who our government is meant to serve.

“This is doubly true for our Democratic party, which has fought for decades to protect a woman’s right to choose, challenge the gender wage gap, and support the voices of women at every level of government. There is no doubting that the insight, courage, and dedication of women and communities of color throughout New Jersey have built our party into what it is today. As we move forward into a new decade, it is imperative that they have a seat at the table and a place at the head of our party.”