Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-37) is running for the LD37 Senate seat occupied by retiring Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-37).

Her colleague, Assemblyman Gordon Johnson (D-37), expects to have the backing of Bergen County Democratic Committee Paul Juliano, but that won’t impede Vainieri Huttle from fighting for the seat.

A Facebook page created in support of her ascent in part contained the following statement from the assemblywoman: from Englewood:

Her full statement can be found below:

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.”