Election Profile: Sen. Vin Gopal For State Senate

NEW JERSEY - Sen. Vin Gopal, a Democrat and current representative of the 11th Legislative District in the New Jersey State Senate, is up for reelection this year, facing Republican challenger Lori L. Annetta.

Gopal, 36, is a graduate of Penn State University (B.A., Political Science) and Rutgers University (Master of Public Administration) and a former Chairman of the Monmouth County Democratic Organization from 2012 to 2017. He currently serves as a member of the state senate's Military and Veterans' Affairs committee, chairman of the Higher Education committee and vice chairman of the committee on Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens.

The Long Branch native is the owner of Community Publications, which publishes a chain of magazines distributed throughout Monmouth County, as well as Direct Development: Design + Communications, a multimedia marketing and business development provider.

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Why are you seeking elective office?

Sen. Gopal initially ran because he was displeased with both Republican and Democratic politicians not combating the residents of New Jersey’s interests. During his first term, Sen. Gopal worked tirelessly across party lines to represent the interests of the residents. He is seeking re-election because, as a life-long Monmouth County resident, he is committed to make Monmouth County more affordable for both seniors and families.

The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it:

The most pressing issue facing LD-11, and the state is facilitating the recovery from the
COVID-19 pandemic. A successful recovery will require a multifaceted plan that addresses both the public health impacts and economic impacts of the pandemic.

On the public health front, the state leaders’ first priority is getting as many New Jersey residents as possible vaccinated as quickly, and as safely, as possible to halt the spread of the virus. Sen. Gopal has already introduced legislation that would require the state to deploy more mobile vaccination sites, particularly to vulnerable communities. When re-elected, he will continue to work with his colleagues in the legislature, the New Jersey Department of Health and the Governor to ensure the continuation of efficiently expanding access to the vaccine.

From an economic standpoint, businesses require assistance as they continue to wrestle with the effects of the pandemic. The state needs to ensure our small businesses can stay open and retain their employees. Sen. Gopal has recently sponsored a package of five bills, which were signed into law. Together these bills provided $100 million in relief funding to small businesses, non-profits, restaurants, artists, and cultural venues that suffered during the pandemic. When re-elected, Sen. Gopal will continue to proactively assist our state’s economic drivers as we recover from the pandemic.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Sen. Gopal is only interested in putting the residents of LD-11 first. During his first term, Sen. Gopal crossed the aisle to focus on finding solutions for the residents not only of LD-11 but all of New Jersey. Click here to view bills passed - sponsored by Sen. Gopal.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Once the community is safely past the pandemic, Sen. Gopal will continue to work on the issues that fueled his initial campaign for the New Jersey State Senate - fighting for tax relief, growing our local economies and protecting our seniors.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

During his first term in the State Senate, Sen. Gopal has worked tirelessly across party-lines to champion the causes of working families in Monmouth County, small-business owners, students and seniors. He has pushed for successful funding for Monmouth County schools, women's healthcare facilities, veterans, mental health support along with many other key areas of funding support. He has also had a number of tax relief and shared-services bills signed into law and successfully fought party leadership from instituting a shore rental tax.

Click here to see this session’s bills sponsored by Sen. Gopal.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Monmouth County is, and always has been home for Sen. Gopal. He will continue taking steps to offer property tax relief, helping families afford college, creating and growing local jobs.