Trenton, NJ – The Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) is pleased to announce its endorsement of twenty-five women legislative candidates for the November 2015 election, which includes 24 Assembly candidates and a Senate candidate to fill the unexpired term in the 5th legislative district.

According to The Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), women hold a mere 36 of the 120 New Jersey legislative seats, which is 30%. This number is down from last year’s record of 37 women legislators (30.8%). 

WPCNJ Political Resources Director Shari Weiner said, “Politically, women make up more than 50% of voters; however, their elected representation pales in comparison. It is more important than ever to endorse and support these women candidates and break that glass ceiling.” 

"We are committed to supporting our endorsed women candidates whose platforms are consistent with our mission regardless of party affiliation.  The women endorsed today include twenty-three Democrats and two Republicans. Fifteen of them are incumbents, while ten are challengers. We are proud to support this diverse group of talented women who are ready, willing, and able to represent all New Jersey citizens with their unique perspectives," said Weiner.

The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey Political Action Committee has made significant contributions to candidates in the 2015 election cycle.

A complete list of the endorsed candidates

The Women's Political Caucus of NJ(WPCNJ) congratulates all the women named on PolitickerNJ's 30 Most Influential Women in Politics, Elected and Nonelected list.  Among the ranks are the Lt. Governor, state senators, assemblywoman, lobbyists, union leaders and mayors.

Kudos to WPCNJ board member Jeannine Frisby LaRue and members Patrizia "Trish" Zita and Maggie Moran being named on the list.  

Cheers to the WPCNJ endorsed legislators named among the women of influence including: Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Senator Diane Allen, Senator Jennifer Beck, Senator Sandra Cunningham, Senator Nia Gill, Senator Linda Greenstein, Senator Teresa Ruiz, Senator Loretta Weinberg, Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi, Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer and Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter.

And hats off to Gail Gordon, 2013 WPCNJ Carol Murphy Award Honoree.  

For the complete list, visit PolitickerNJ.

- Updated to include Maggie Moran on the list of distinguished WPCNJ members named. 

 The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) lauds Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz's appointment of Arlene Quinones Perez, Esq. as the City's first Latina municipal attorney. As the mayor of one of the fastest growing cities in the state, Mayor Diaz has led the city's successes effectively due in large part to her strong leadership.

The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) wishes to express its deepest condolences to the family of former New Jersey Senate Executive Director Kathy Crotty.  She was long standing member and supporter of WPCNJ as well as a pioneer and contributor to women's political advocacy in NJ. Crotty was the first woman to serve as executive director of one of the NJ legislature's partisan staff offices. WPCNJ honored Crotty's work in 2001 by awarding her the Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award.

On behalf of The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ)  PAC, thank you for your generous support and for celebrating the WPCNJ Endorsed Women of the 216th New Jersey Legislature. 

“Women are the majority of the population in New Jersey. We need to act like the majority, and own it,” said Kelly Stewart Maer, the treasurer of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, who also serves as the chair of the WPCNJ-PAC, a multi-partisan organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in elected and appointed positions in government, protecting reproductive freedom, and promoting equal rights for women. “Women tend to wait to be asked to run for office. They’ve been told all of their life to be polite, sit back and wait. We need women to get up and say ‘I want to run.’ And if women do run, we will support you. It’s a mission to get women involved. We need to find quality women who can run and that are willing to run.”  - to read the rest of the article from PolitickerNJ  http://politickernj.com/2015/06/at-womens-political-caucus-of-n-j-pac-event-women-get-it-done-yet-again/                                                                                                    

Liz Muoio for Assembly

muoioforassembly@gmail.com

Quijano and Holley for Assembly

Maria Moya

908-937-5889

The Education and Training Fund of WPCNJ wishes to express our gratitude to our special guest Martha Burk and all who joined us in our celebration of Women's History Month 2015. 

                         WPCNJ Membership: Renew Your Commitment Today

Within the past week, Assemblywoman Linda Stender—who championed issues to advance women and families- announced she would not seek reelection.  Members of the Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) rallied behind Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr as the best candidate to fill the seat.  Mahr has a long track record of leadership and her years of accomplishments would make her a wonderful addition to the Legislature.