Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey Endorses Forty-Six Female Legislative Candidates; PAC Announces Nearly $40k in Contributions
The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) is proud to announce its endorsement of forty-six female legislative candidates for the General Election in November. The WPCNJ PAC is set to distribute nearly $40,000 in contributions to support a key group of its endorsed candidates at an event in Trenton on October 5.
"These forty-six endorsements reflect a strong showing of female candidates whose platforms are consistent with our mission of protecting reproductive freedom and promoting equal rights, regardless of party affiliation," said WPCNJ Political Resources Director Shari Weiner.
The WPCNJ PAC is prepared to make significant contributions to candidates in the 2017 election cycle. WPCNJ PAC Chair Jennifer Mancuso added, "We are thrilled to contribute nearly $40,000 to support a diverse group of talented women who are ready, willing, and able to represent all New Jersey citizens with their unique perspectives."
According to The Center of American Women and Politics (CAWP), women hold a mere 36 of the 120 (30%) New Jersey legislative seats, down from last year's record of 37 women legislators (30.8%). "Women make up more than 50% of voters, however, their elected representation pales in comparison," said Weiner. "It is incumbent upon organizations such as ours to endorse and support these women candidates and break that glass ceiling."
2017 Legislative Candidates Receiving Endorsement
*signifies incumbent
Gabriela Mosquera (D)* District 4, Assembly
Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D)* District 5, Senate
Patricia Egan Jones (D)* District 5, Assembly
Pamela R. Lampitt (D)* District 6, Assembly
Carol Murphy (D) District 7, Assembly
Joanne Schwartz (D) District 8, Assembly
Maryann Merlino (D) District 8, Assembly
Jill Dobrowansky (D) District 9, Assembly
Emma Mammano (D) District 10, Senate
Joann Downey (D)* District 11, Assembly
Mariel Didato (D) District 13, Assembly
Linda Greenstein (D)* District 14, Senate
Shirley Turner (D)* District 15, Senate
Elizabeth Muoio (D)* District 15, Assembly
Laurie Poppe (D) District 16, Senate
Nancy Pinkin (D)* District 18, Assembly
Yvonne Lopez (D) District 19, Assembly
Annette Quijano (D)* District 20, Assembly
Jill Lazare (D) District 21, Senate
Lacey Rzeszowski (D) District 21, Assembly
Nancy Munoz (R)* District 21, Assembly
Christine Lui Chen (D) District 23 Senate
Laura Shaw (D) District 23, Assembly
Kate Matteson (D) District 24, Assembly
Gina Trish (D) District 24, Assembly
Lisa Bhimani (D) District 25, Senate
Mila M. Jasey (D)* District 27, Assembly
Cleopatra Tucker (D)* District 28, Assembly
M. Teresa Ruiz (D)* District 29, Senate
Eliana Pintor Marin (D)* District 29, Assembly
Shanique Speight (D) District 29, Assembly
Sandra Cunningham (D)* District 31, Senate
Angela McKnight (D)* District 31, Assembly
Angelica Jimenez (D)* District 32, Assembly
Annette Chaparro (D)* District 33, Assembly
Nia Gill (D)* District 34, Senate
Sheila Oliver (D)* District 34, Assembly
Nellie Pou (D)* District 35, Senate
Shavonda Sumter* (D) District 35, Assembly
Marlene Caride* (D) District 35, Assembly
Loretta Weinberg (D)* District 3, Senate
Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D)* District 37, Assembly
Linda Schwager (D) District 39, Senate
Jannie Chung (D) District 39, Assembly
Holly Schepisi (R)* District 39, Assembly
Christine Ordway (D) District 40, Assembly
WPCNJ Expresses Condolences to Senator Linda Greenstein
The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) wishes to express its deepest condolences to Senator Linda Greenstein and her son Evan on the passing of her husband Michael. He was an long time supporter of WPCNJ as Senator Greenstein's companion to many events. WPCNJ President Chrissy Buteas states, "I as deeply saddened to hear this news. I was with Michael last week talking to him about local politics. He was a consistent familiar face on the campaign trail with the Senator. He will be missed."
Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey Endorses Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno for Governor
Shari Weiner, Chair of the Political Resources Committee stated, "The Lt. Governor has been a long-time supporter of the Caucus and is aligned with the core mission of the organization: to increase the number of women in elected and appointed positions in government, protect reproductive freedom, and promote equal rights for women."
Lt. Governor Guadagno began her public service career as a federal prosecutor with the Organized Crime & Racketeering Strike Force in Brooklyn, New York. Following a move to Monmouth County, New Jersey, she became an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Newark.
Like many women in elected office, Lt. Governor Guadagno first decided to run for public office to solve real problems facing her community and make it a better place to live, work, and raise a family. In 2005, she was elected as a Borough Commissioner in Monmouth Beach. Lt. Governor Guadagno became the first woman elected Sheriff in Monmouth County history in 2007, leading a 650-member, $65 million law enforcement agency. In 2010 she was sworn in as New Jersey's first Lt. Governor and was re-elected in 2013. Simultaneously serving as Secretary of State, Lt. Governor Guadagno serves as New Jersey's chief election official, oversees promotion of the state's $40 billion tourism industry, and administers programs related to the arts, culture, and history.
Jeralyn Lawrence, Member of the WPCNJ Republican Task Force, added, "Lt. Governor Guadagno is a highly qualified, well-respected candidate with a distinguished career as an advocate for New Jersey women and their families. With just a single female governor in the state's history, we are excited to announce our support for her gubernatorial campaign."
WPCNJ Endorses Forty-Six Female Legislative Candidates
Trenton, NJ - The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) is proud to announce its endorsement of forty-six female legislative candidates for the General Election in November. The WPCNJ PAC is set to distribute nearly $40,000 in contributions to support a key group of its endorsed candidates at an event in Trenton on October 5.
"These forty-six endorsements reflect a strong showing of female candidates whose platforms are consistent with our mission of protecting reproductive freedom and promoting equal rights, regardless of party affiliation," said WPCNJ Political Resources Director Shari Weiner.
The WPCNJ PAC is prepared to make significant contributions to candidates in the 2017 election cycle. WPCNJ PAC Chair Jennifer Mancuso added, "We are thrilled to contribute nearly $40,000 to support a diverse group of talented women who are ready, willing, and able to represent all New Jersey citizens with their unique perspectives."
According to The Center of American Women and Politics (CAWP), women hold a mere 36 of the 120 (30%) New Jersey legislative seats, down from last year's record of 37 women legislators (30.8%). "Women make up more than 50% of voters, however, their elected representation pales in comparison," said Weiner. "It is incumbent upon organizations such as ours to endorse and support these women candidates and break that glass ceiling."
Prominent Statewide Women's Groups Call On Unapologetic Space to Resign
WPCNJ, founded in 1972, is a chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus and is the authoritative voice for women in New Jersey politics. WPCNJ is 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.
WPCNJ Mourns the Passing of Long-time Board Member Hon. Eileen Thornton
The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of long-time Board Member Eileen Thornton, a staunch proponent of advancing women and a pioneer for women's political advocacy in the state.
WPCNJ President Chrissy Buteas said, "New Jersey mourns the passing of Eileen Thornton, a tireless advocate and role model for young women, who long demonstrated that women have a seat at the table. Eileen was a friend and mentor to many with a contagious passion and energy that will be truly missed. Our thoughts are with Eileen Thornton's family at this time."
Read more2017 Ready to Run Scholarships
(Please note "WPCNJ" in the "How did you hear?" part of the registration form)
Scholarships are limited and will be awarded to eligible applicants on a first come, first served basis.
WPCNJ BOE member Patricia Teffenhart Keynote Speaker for Women's March Asbury Park
Join WPCNJ board member Patricia Teffenhart, executive director NJCASA at Women's March Asbury Park on January 21st! Event starts at 12:00pm - Register here
Join the March on New Jersey - Saturday, January 21
Early arrival is strongly encouraged due to the large turnout anticipated.
Thank You - WPCNJ Passion * Power * Progress Awards Reception
We would like to extend our congratulations to our honorees and thank our friends, sponsors & event committee members for their generous support of WPC's 2017 Passion Power Progress Awards Reception!
The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey hosted its Annual Passion * Power * Progress Awards ceremony on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick. The spirited event was a great success, honoring those whose leadership, civic involvement, and professional efforts have helped make New Jersey a better place for women.
This year, WPCNJ was proud to present the following awards:
The evening's Master of Ceremony was the Honorable Chrissy Buteas, President of WPCNJ. We were pleased to be joined by many elected officials including; Senator Linda Greenstein,
Along with State lawmakers, the event was also attended by several county &
local elected officials.
We would also like to thank our volunteers from the Rutger's Student Caucus Chapter, Toni Gingerelli, Aasha Shaik, Margaux Taylor, Irum Yasim, Saba Yasmin.
