Menendez Appoints New Jersey State Director

Rudy Rodas, native of Union City and until recently a senior member of the Murphy Administration, will lead the Senator’s staff across the state

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today formally announced the appointment of Rudy Rodas as his new, New Jersey State Director. Rodas, native of Union City, has been serving as an associate counsel and policy advisor in the administration of Governor Phil Murphy. Beginning January 31^st, Rodas will oversee Sen. Menendez’s offices in Jersey City and Barrington.

“Rudy brings to the team a deep knowledge of New Jersey and the issues that impact communities across the state,” said Sen. Menendez. “He has a sharp mind and is passionate about his work and finding solutions. Whether advocating on behalf of the immigrant community or advising on policies related to transportation, housing or economic opportunity, he brings an unrivaled work ethic and commitment that will help guide our operation in the state. I look forward to the perspective he will bring to the team.”
 
“It is an honor and a privilege to accept this position with Senator Menendez to lead the immensely talented New Jersey team,” said Rodas. “Senator Menendez is a tireless leader advocating for the people of New Jersey on important issues such as affordable housing, immigration, consumer protections, healthcare, and more. I look forward to working with our dedicated Jersey City and Barrington staff to enact the Senator’s vision and help ensure that residents across the state are heard here and in Washington.”

As Associate Counsel with the Murphy administration, Rodas was responsible for overseeing the operations of several state and bi-state authorities including the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, and the South Jersey Transportation Authority, amongst others.

“Rudy’s significant contributions to our administration over the last two years have helped make our state stronger, fairer, and more equitable,” said Governor Murphy. “Senator Menendez’s state offices are in great hands with Rudy at the helm, and I congratulate him on this new opportunity to continue his dedication to public service. Our loss is Senator Menendez’s gain.”

Prior to working as a senior member within the Murphy administration, Rodas served for five years as a bilingual attorney-advisor at the U.S. Social Security Administration.  He also ran his own private law practice based in Jersey City and handled legal work representing the Colombian Consulates in Newark and New York City. A New Jersey native, Rodas received a B.B.A. in International Business from the George Washington University and his law degree from Rutgers University School of Law.  In 2021, Rodas was named a Top Attorney Under 40 by the Hispanic National Bar Association and was a 2017 Institute Fellow at the New Leaders Council.

Sen. Menendez also appointed Rebecca McNeil to serve as his new Outreach Specialist based in his Jersey City office. McNeil, who most recently served as Casework Manager for Congressman Tom Malinowski (D-N.J.-7), will handle an array of issue areas including health care, women’s issues, seniors, autism, agriculture and nutrition.