Longtime NJ Senator Loretta Weinberg Won't Seek Re-Election

TEANECK, NJ — Loretta Weinberg, a "feisty fighter," "huge force" and the "Lioness of the New Jersey Senate" will not seek re-election, her office announced. The state's Senate Majority Leader, Weinberg, D-Teaneck, has represented Bergen County's 37th District for the past 29 years.

"After months of deliberation and reflection, I have decided not to seek reelection to a fifth term in the Senate or a fourth decade representing my constituents in the 37th District and the people of New Jersey," said Weinberg, in a statement. "It was not an easy decision because there is so much still to accomplish."

Weinberg will continue to serve until 2022, and has committed to pursuing reform on a number of issues during her remaining tenure.

"I am committed to using my final year in the Senate to fight hard to achieve real reform at New Jersey Transit, to reform the handling of sexual assault cases, to combat harassment and misogyny in politics, to increase transparency and accountability in government and, of course, to speed-up construction of the new Port Authority Bus Terminal," she said.

News of the decision traveled fast through New Jersey politics, and many notable figures — including Gov. Phil Murphy, Rep. Josh Gottheimer and Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. — added their thoughts on Weinberg's career and legacy to the discourse.

"Since 1992, [Weinberg] has been a singular voice in the State House championing progressive action. I don’t think we need to speak about cementing a legacy – Loretta built an incredible one all by herself," said Murphy.

Gottheimer referred to Weinberg as a mentor, and added that he was honored to have worked with her.

"I’ve been lucky to have a front row seat," said Gottheimer. "NJ owes a great deal to Loretta — a true living legend and trailblazer for women and equality."

Perhaps the highest praise came from Senate President Steve Sweeney, who encapsulated just what Weinberg has meant to the Senate, and what they'll lose with her departure.

"This will be a profound loss for the Senate as an institution and for me personally. I have had the good fortune to have Loretta as my leadership partner for a decade. She made me a better Senate President," said Sweeney.

"Loretta Weinberg is the Lioness of the New Jersey Senate. She is fearless in speaking her mind and standing up for her beliefs, and she is selfless in fighting for the needs of others, especially those who face disadvantages or experience hardship."

In addition to her time in the Senate, Weinberg also served on the Teaneck Counil, and was the running mate of former Gov. Jon Corzine in the 2009 race, when Corzine lost to former Gov. Chris Christie.

According to the statement issued from Weinberg's Office, this timing of this announcement is strategic, as it allows Bergen County's political leaders ample time to decide whether to make a run at the seat.

Two political figures in the county have already decided to pursue the seat, according to a report from New Jersey Globe.

Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, D-Englewood, and Assembly Speaker Pro-Tempore Gordon Johnson, D-Englewood, are said to be seeking a seat in the Senate, with the former having already announced her intent, and received an endorsement from New Jersey Working Families.

While some are looking ahead to the race that will follow, Weinberg is taking the time to reflect.

"I would like to thank my extraordinary family and friends for their support over these many years, the truly incredible advocates I have worked with on issues from marriage equality and pay equity to transit reform, and the dedicated women and men I have had the opportunity to serve with in the Assembly and the Senate over the past three decades," she said.

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