“The Women’s Political Caucus of NJ, Latina Civic PAC, PAM’s List, leaders from a coalition of Black Women, and the Democratic Task Force of the Bipartisan Coalition for Women’s Appointments applaud the passage and signing of A5950/S4004. This legislation will establish two databases that will document the gender and race of elected officials from the municipal level up and all those appointed to state boards and commissions. If this data can be updated on an annual basis the political parties, legislators, the Governor and the general public can have a full picture of who is serving in government at every level. With that knowledge our hope is that decisions about who gets appointed and who runs can be made with an eye to ensuring that more women and residents from historically underrepresented communities have equal opportunities to serve in positions of power and influence. The Coalition of Women’s Organization collaborated with former Senator Loretta Weinberg, Senator Nellie Pou, Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, the NJ Legislative Latino Caucus and the NJ Legislative Black Caucus to draft the legislation and fund the effort.”

Trenton, NJ – The Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) proudly endorses 45 Senate and Assembly women candidates for the November General Election.  The endorsed candidates embrace and are dedicated to upholding WPCNJ’s mission to increase the number of women in elected and appointed office, protect reproductive freedom and achieve equal rights for all women.

Now, more than ever, it is critical that we encourage New Jersey residents to vote and to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms women and their families care deeply about - especially a woman’s right to reproductive freedom.  It is vital that we support and advance elected and appointed officials that are equally committed to upholding these rights. 

“We must continue to fight against attacks on women by promoting leaders who understand and represent women through elected and appointed positions of power. We must remain vigilant. Elections have consequences, we can never assume women’s rights are safe” said Shari Weiner, Chair of the Political Resource Committee. 

The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey Political Action Committee has made significant contributions to candidates in the 2021 election cycle.  The WPCNJ PAC supports pro-choice candidates that align with the mission of the Women’s Political Caucus. 

Candidates Receiving Endorsement of Women's Political Caucus of NJ
*signifies incumbent

Caren Fitzpatrick (D) – District 2, Assembly

Gabriela Mosquera (D)* – District 4, Assembly

Nilsa Cruz Perez (D)* - District 5, Senate

Pamela Lampitt (D)* – District 6, Assembly

Carol Murphy (D)* – District 7, Assembly

Allison Eckel (D) – District 8, Assembly

Dawn Addiego (D)* – District 8, Senate

Mary Sharon Quilter (D) – District 10, Assembly

Emma Mammano (D) – District 10, Senate

Joann Downey (D)* – District 11, Assembly

Allison Friedman (D) – District 13, Assembly

Vicky Flynn (R) – District 13, Assembly

Linda Greenstein (D)* - District 14 Senate

Verlina Reynolds Jackson (D)* – District 15, Assembly

Shirley Turner (D)* – District 15, Senate

Sadaf Jaffer (D) – District 16, Assembly

Yvonne Lopez (D)* – District 19, Assembly

Annette Quijano (D)* – District 20, Assembly

Anjali Mehrotra (D) – District 21, Assembly

Nancy Munoz (R)* – District 21, Assembly

Linda Carter (D)* – District 22, Assembly

Hope Kaufman (D) – District 23, Assembly

Denise King (D) – District 23, Senate

Lauren Barnett (D) – District 25, Assembly

Patricia Veres (D) – District 25, Assembly

Melissa Brown Blaeuer (D) – District 26, Assembly

Pamela Fadden (D) – District 26, Assembly

Christine Clarke (D) – District 26, Senate

Mila Jasey (D)* – District 27, Assembly

Cleopatra Tucker (D)* – District 28, Assembly

Eliana Pintor Marin (D)* – District 29, Assembly

Shanique Speight (D)* – District 29, Assembly

M. Teresa Ruiz (D)* – District 29, Senate

Angela McKnight (D)* – District 31, Assembly

Sandra Cunningham (D)* - District 31, Senate

Angelica Jimenez (D)* – District 32, Assembly

Annette Chaparro (D)* – District 33, Assembly

Britnee Timberlake (D)* – District 34, Assembly

Nia Gill (D)* - District 34, Senate

Shavonda Sumter (D)* – District 35, Assembly

Nellie Pou (D)* - District 35, Senate

Lisa Swain (D)* – District 38, Assembly

Holly Schepisi (R)* – District 39, Senate

Genevieve Allard (D) – District 40, Assembly

Nicole McNamara (D) – District 40, Assembly

Patricia “Pat” Egan Jones began her political journey working in her community to establish safety programs and a preschool program, which after more than 40 years is still in existence. This work led to a 47-year career, including serving as Chief of Staff for Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts and Legislative & Administrative Director to the late New Jersey State Senator Walter Rand.

In 1996, Pat was sworn in as a Barrington Council Member and served until elected as a Camden County Commissioner. As Commissioner, Pat was instrumental in locating the Battleship New Jersey in Camden. She believed that Camden, across from the Philadelphia Navy Yard where the Battleship was built, was the perfect location. After numerous meetings and a lengthy application process, the Navy decided to give the Battleship to the Home Port Alliance to be located in Camden. Opened to the public since October 14, 2001, the ship has been a viable part of the Camden City's Waterfront for the past 20 years.

From Commissioner, Pat was elected Camden County Surrogate, where she served 15 years. As Surrogate, she established an outstanding Adoption Program, redefined and educated Guardians with workshops, and held financial programs for young adults about how to get resources that were held in trusts. 

She then took an unexpired seat in the General Assembly and was elected to serve two additional terms. Working in the General Assembly, Pat is proud to say she was part of the effort to pass Equal Pay legislation, Sick Time legislation and to establish a higher living wage for all New Jersey workers. 

Pat helped improve funding for the Arts and Cultural and Heritage Programs. She served on the Transportation and Budget Committee and also served on the Joint Committee on Public Schools and Higher Education Committee.

Along the way, Pat managed many other activities and today continues to actively serve on the Board of Volunteers of America Delaware, Larc School, The Walter Reed Institute at Rutgers Camden, Coopers Ferry Partnership and the Board of the Battleship New Jersey. 

Currently, Pat serves as Outreach Director for the Camden County Veterans’ Affairs Office, a rewarding position that allows her to give thanks to all the people who have made all of the above happen.