East Brunswick Councilman Sworn Into State Assembly

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — East Brunswick Councilman Sterley Stanley became the first South Asian from Middlesex County to be sworn into the state assembly on Wednesday.

Stanley was elected to the New Jersey State Legislature from the 18th district on Jan. 12. He will fill the seat left vacant after Nancy Pinkin resigned to become the new Middlesex County Clerk. Stanley will serve the remainder of her term which is set to expire in January 2022.

On Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy congratulated Stanley on a Facebook post.

Stanley responded saying it was a “true privilege to represent the people of District 18.”

“I am committed to working with my Assembly colleagues to best address the needs of this wonderful, diverse state to maintain a strong, united community,” he wrote.

At the election held earlier this month, Stanley edged out Edison Councilman Joe Coyle 184 to 135 to win Pinkin’s seat.

Stanley, a Democrat, ran for reelection in East Brunswick in November 2020, along with Mayor Brad Cohen and councilman Michael Spadafino.

The state’s 18th district includes East Brunswick, Edison, Helmetta, Highland Park, Metuchen, South Plainfield and South River. It currently has the highest percentage of Asian Americans of any legislative district in New Jersey.

Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

Get breaking news alerts on your phone with our app. Download here. Sign up to get Patch emails so you don't miss out on local and statewide news.