For several decades, feminist leadership in the New Jersey Legislature was defined by one person—Senator Loretta Weinberg. And if we looked for a natural heir to that throne, it would have been Assemblymember Valerie Vainieri-Huttle. Together they championed and passed many bills on progressive and women’s issues such as marriage equality, women’s healthcare funding, equal pay, human trafficking and so many more. Now with the retirement of Senator Weinberg and Huttle no longer in the legislature, what does that mean for feminist policy in New Jersey? Who will take up the feminist mantle?

The field is wide open. And yet there are some serious contenders. In the Senate is Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, who has long been a champion for women and families. She has been the prime sponsor on bills that have advanced education, economic justice, tax fairness and environmental justice. Currently she is the prime sponsor on the Senate bill to provide free menstrual products in our public school bathrooms. 

The Assembly has more women so naturally there are more choices. On the top of our list are legislative powerhouses like Assembly members Britnee Timberlake and Annette Quijano who have polished their policy chops championing the $15 minimum wage and  family leave; protecting renters and providing relief for housing during Covid-19. Assemblymember Mila Jasey has been a strong voice for reproductive rights and Assemblymember Angela McKnight had us cheering when she used the word ‘vagina’ on the Assembly floor during debate on the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act this past January.

This list is not meant to be exhaustive, nor do I mean to exclude our male legislators. Assembly members Raj Mukherji, John McKeon and Dan Benson have been vocal supporters on issues that affect women and families. Senator Vin Gopal was outspoken among his caucus and in public in his support for the Reproductive Freedom Act. Senator Troy Singleton was instrumental in passing the environmental justice bill, an effort led by women activists in Newark.

As we close out Women’s History Month, the question remains—who will fill the void and create the next legislative legacy on behalf of women in New Jersey? The challenge is issued—those interested in passing much needed legislation to ensure pay equity, end gender based violence and ensure economic security for New Jersey women should feel free to contact the National Organization for Women of New Jersey (or me) for bills we would like to see passed!

Anjali Mehrotra  is on the Board of Directors of National Organization for Women (NOW) and is President of the New Jersey Chapter of NOW.