Age: 38

Hometown: Freehold

Occupation: State senator, small business owner

Personal background: I grew up in Freehold and volunteered for several area first aid squads in high school and college. I went to college at Penn State, earning my B.A. Back in Monmouth, I started several small businesses and joined the IBEW 400 Union in Wall Township. I earned my master’s from Rutgers and also served as an adjunct professor. I am also the proud founder of the Vin Gopal Civic Association, a nonprofit that serves the Monmouth community. I have served on many local boards within Monmouth County and have been state senator since 2018.

Political background: I am a registered Democrat, but I am proud to be the most bipartisan member in the Senate, and work across the aisle whenever I can to deliver results for Monmouth County families.

Why are you running for office? I was lucky enough to be born and raised here in Monmouth County, and even luckier to be able to start a career and build my life here. I was inspired to run for office so I could fight in Trenton to make sure that more families can stay and thrive in our communities, all of our children have access to a great education, and businesses will open and grow in our communities. I know Monmouth County families deserve a senator in Trenton who puts their interests first 100% of the time, not just when it’s politically convenient. I have held on to that belief since I first took the oath of office, and I will continue to stand by that for as long as I have the honor to serve as Monmouth County’s state senator. Currently, I serve as Senate Majority Conference Leader and chairman of the Education Committee.

Key election issue: Keeping Monmouth County families safe, making Monmouth County a more affordable place to start a family and stay here into retirement, and protecting health-care freedom

I was proud to sponsor the StayNJ property tax relief program, which is aimed to help seniors be able to afford to stay in New Jersey into retirement by offering up to 50% off their property tax bill. I was a prime sponsor of the bill that codified a woman’s right to choose into the New Jersey Constitution. I have earned the support of those who protect Monmouth County, and I’ve been endorsed by the New Jersey State PBA and the National Associations of Police Organizations (I am the only legislator in New Jersey to receive their endorsement this year). I regularly partner with local law enforcement to make sure they have the resources they need to do their jobs. I coordinated major support for our police departments after a string of “pop-up parties” created serious public safety issues in Long Branch, and pushed for legal action against social media outlets promoting them. As a result, the issue has been virtually eliminated this year. In the Senate, I pushed for legislation that would allow law enforcement to be able to retire after 20 years, regardless of age, to help them avoid burnout. I led and passed bipartisan bills to make sure those arrested for car thefts and home invasions can’t be released.

Example of a successful project: I led the fight to successfully secure over $40,000,000 in historic mental health funding for our schools and communities in the newest state budget to tackle the mental health crisis facing teens today.

Example of a challenge faced: Throughout my time in the Senate, I have worked across the aisle whenever possible, regularly held my party accountable, and always put Monmouth County families before political parties. I co-sponsored the bill to restrict the governor’s emergency powers to 60 days, I demanded the governor end the COVID testing requirement for unvaccinated teachers and school employees, and I have stood up to the governor and my party as they have instituted new mandates on electric stoves and electric vehicles. I have taken on these tough fights because my job is to represent the priorities and interests of Monmouth County’s families, not my political party.

On NJ’s gun laws: As senator, I have always put the safety of our families and communities first and supported common-sense gun laws. I have supported numerous pieces of gun violence prevention legislation and have always worked to bring stakeholders and constituents from all sides of the issue to the table as legislation is drafted. I voted for extreme risk protection orders to get guns away from dangerous people and sponsored legislation to make it harder for those who abuse animals to purchase a firearm. I was also just awarded the 2023 Moms Demand Action Candidate Distinction.

On the Murphy administration’s climate change proposals: While I support efforts to make New Jersey a more sustainable state, homeowners should be notified of any efforts that might directly impact their property values and rates. The burden should not be left to the taxpayers, ratepayers and homeowners to pay for the development and implementation of these types of projects, which is why I voted against an offshore wind bailout earlier this year. While I am supportive of efforts to transition to clean energy, the state’s Energy Master Plan has laid out aggressive goals that could carry steep costs for homeowners, ratepayers and taxpayers. I believe the state can promote clean energy without burdening hardworking New Jersey residents, and I will not support any mandate that requires a transition from natural gas to electric appliances, but will support incentives.

On housing affordability and property taxes: This is a number one issue we are hearing about from constituents, as families are being priced out of their homes due to high property taxes and seniors are not able to stay here during retirement. It is why I sponsored StayNJ, the largest property tax relief program in New Jersey history, which will return to seniors 50% of their property taxes (up to $6,500). I also supported measures such as the ANCHOR property tax relief program and Senior Freeze, both of which provide financial relief for families and seniors who are struggling to afford to live in New Jersey.

Final thoughts: I am proud to be running with two great running mates for Assembly, Dr. Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul. Dr. Donlon is a doctor, mom of two and the deputy mayor of Ocean Township. She has been an exceptional local leader on environmental and affordability issues. She was elected twice on a ticket with both Democrats and Republicans, and she serves on a nonpartisan town council. Ms. Peterpaul is an accomplished former county prosecutor, attorney and, until this year, a municipal court judge for the cities of Long Branch and Asbury Park. She has a long history of working closely with law enforcement to take on violent crime and will be a great advocate for public safety for Monmouth County in the Assembly.

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Age: 59

Hometown: Colts Neck

Occupation: Business adviser, consultant and executive coach

Personal background: I am a first-generation American, born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. My parents immigrated to the United States from Ireland and Ukraine. I graduated cum laude from Northeastern University with a degree in journalism and political science. Throughout my career, I have held leadership roles, including serving as the chief operating officer for Omnicom Group, where I worked with global advertising and marketing agencies. I also held vice president roles at Johnson & Johnson, working with senior leaders and global responsibilities and have experience in the public sector, including working with the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and managing communication for Phoenix House. My background and experiences have shaped my passion for making a positive impact and working toward social change.

Political background: As a first-generation American, my passion for public service runs deep. Growing up in a household where hard work and determination were values instilled in me by my immigrant parents, I have always felt a strong sense of responsibility to give back to my community. While I may be a first-time candidate, my diverse background and 35+ years of experience in business and the nonprofit world have prepared me well for a role in public office. My unique perspective as the son of immigrants and my commitment to serving the people of Monmouth County will enable me to bring fresh ideas and a genuine desire for positive change to the table.

Why are you running for office? The current one-party rule in Trenton has neglected our state’s needs and resulted in numerous challenges for our county. The career politicians in charge have failed us, and their decisions do not benefit the people. We need fresh faces and new perspectives to bring about meaningful change in our state government. We cannot afford to wait any longer for things to improve. The current system is not working, and our community deserves better. That is why I am committed to fighting for the best interests of Monmouth County and bringing about the change we desperately need.

Key election issue: Public safety and crime prevention have become critical concerns in my campaign here in Monmouth County. Our county has been known for its safe and supportive environment for families and professionals for years. However, recent events have shaken this reputation, such as the rise in home invasions in Fair Haven and Freehold and the robberies targeting small businesses in Long Branch and Eatontown. We must address these criminal activities directly and restore peace of mind to our citizens.

Another crucial issue that deserves attention in my campaign is the protection of parents’ rights. Parental rights are fundamental in ensuring that families can make decisions that align with their values and the best interests of their children. I am committed to promoting policies safeguarding parental rights and empowering parents to participate in their children’s education and well-being actively.

I believe in imposing harsher penalties for repeat offenders involved in criminal enterprises and ending the catch-and-release cycle. It’s essential to provide full support and funding to law enforcement for implementing advanced vehicle tracking technologies. Mandatory education programs for juvenile offenders and their parents or guardians should be implemented. I am dedicated to collaborating with federal authorities to investigate and prosecute organized auto theft groups under federal RICO statutes. These actions will enhance community safety and prioritize the well being of law-abiding citizens.

As far as parents’ rights, the solution is simple. Parents should always be involved, just like they’ve been for generations. I encourage all parents to actively engage with their school boards and officials so everyone knows exactly where you stand regarding your children and these issues.

Example of a successful project: Coming from a family of immigrants, I have always remembered my roots and the values of hard work and the pursuit of the American dream. Inspired by my parents’ journey, I have climbed the ladder of success, built a family and established myself in both the business world and the nonprofit sector. My decision to enter public office was driven by a genuine desire to serve. With a deep respect for individuals from all backgrounds, I am confident in my ability to collaborate with anyone in the Legislature, regardless of party affiliation.

Example of a challenge faced: Throughout my career in business, I have frequently encountered unfamiliar business environments. However, I have discovered that effective leadership skills can be universally applied, regardless of the industry or organization. The key lies in actively listening to understand the specific problems and challenges and having the courage to ask fundamental and daring questions that lead to a comprehensive solution. By addressing the root cause of the issue, a roadmap can be created to empower everyone involved in overcoming the challenges and achieving success. I intend to bring this same leadership style and my problem-solving abilities as the next senator from the 11th Legislative District. Trenton needs to put its focus on producing results for the people of New Jersey.

On NJ’s gun laws: New Jersey has taken important steps toward eliminating illegal guns in our communities, but there is still work to be done to protect our residents. To address this problem, Assemblywoman Piperno, Assemblywoman Eulner and I believe in strengthening the punishments for those illegally possessing a firearm and using it in a crime and supporting community-based policing strategies to stop the flow of illegal weapons into our streets.

On Murphy administration’s climate change proposals: While I support exploring all forms of green energy, as long as we do so honestly, responsibly and transparently, I believe it’s essential to implement a complete pause with all offshore wind development to understand the cause of the alarming mortality rate of marine life. Over 70 dead whales and 50 dead dolphins since December 2022, coinciding with an increasing number of sonar mapping boats, is concerning. My opponent calls people “conspiracy theorists” if they are concerned about a possible connection between sonar mapping and dead mammals. Instead of displaying arrogance and disrespect for these good people, we have listened to their concerns and advocated for a full-stop moratorium on offshore wind development and directing funds toward independent investigations to protect our ocean’s health. We must prioritize further research to determine the cause and take necessary precautions.

How would you address the cost of rent, housing affordability and property taxes in New Jersey? New Jersey faces an affordability crisis, leaving seniors questioning whether they can afford to retire here. Senator Gopal and his Democratic colleagues have announced StayNJ as a solution – which would not take effect until 2026 (if ever) – but it fails to address the damage to seniors’ savings and quality of life. It is merely a superficial gimmick and temporary fix – a Band-Aid for an open wound. New Jersey residents need long-lasting tax cuts and real property tax relief to ensure they can keep more of their hard-earned money and retire comfortably.

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Age: 67

Hometown: Long Branch

Occupation: Attorney

Personal background: I was born and raised in Essex County, but I learned to walk on the Long Branch boardwalk and have a lifetime of memories in Monmouth County, where I currently reside. I am a graduate of Duquesne University and Seton Hall School of Law. I am a practicing attorney and the managing partner of Peterpaul Law in Asbury Park. I was a longtime member of Garden State Equality and was the chair of the Garden State Equality Action Fund. I’ve served as a county prosecutor and, until this year, was a municipal court judge for the cities of Long Branch and Asbury Park.

Political background: I am a Democrat, but I have a long record of bipartisanship. I was appointed as a municipal court judge in Long Branch by Republicans and Democrats on the city council. During my time at Garden State Equality, I helped pass New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights by working with legislators from both sides of the political aisle. The legislation received bipartisan support, just one no vote, and it was signed into law by a Republican governor.

Why are you running for office? I was not eager to jump into electoral politics, but with my lifetime of law and advocacy experience, I believe I am the right candidate with the right experience to help solve the problems our state is facing. I know firsthand the toll that rising crime takes on families and communities, and I know what needs to be done at the state level to curb violence. I have partnered with law enforcement to take on criminals to keep families safe, and I will take this experience to the Assembly to protect Monmouth County families. I am also alarmed by the recent rollbacks in basic freedoms we have seen across the country. I have been and will always be a leader on protecting the rights and freedoms of women, those who are marginalized and vulnerable, and the LGBTQ+ community. In the Assembly, I will also work to lower the cost of living, invest in child care and elder care, and make it easier for families to live, work and stay in New Jersey through retirement.

Key election issue: Keeping Monmouth County families safe, making Monmouth County a more affordable place to start a family and stay here into retirement, securing funding for mental health resources, and protecting health-care freedom.

In the Assembly, I will fight to provide resources for our senior and mental health services. I will work to make sure that seniors and families can afford to live, work and stay here into retirement. I want to continue the great work of my running mate, Senator Gopal, who was a prime sponsor of the bipartisan StayNJ legislation, New Jersey’s largest property tax relief program ever. The program will return to seniors up to 50% of their property taxes (up to $6,500). I also support programs such as the ANCHOR property tax relief program and Senior Freeze, both of which offer families and seniors substantial tax relief. We need to work across party lines to find more solutions like these so that New Jersey is not just a great place to live, but also an affordable one.

Example of a successful project: As a municipal court judge, I helped implement the Recovery Diversion Program, which provides second chances to those in the criminal justice system with substance abuse issues. The program has proven so successful that it is now a blueprint for similar programs across Monmouth County. I also co-authored New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights with support from Republicans and Democrats in the legislature.

Example of a challenge faced: I was part of the team that helped write and pass New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights in the aftermath of the death of Tyler Clementi. I worked with Republican and Democrat lawmakers throughout all stages of the process. We shared a goal – protecting our kids – and with that goal we found a lot of common ground. When the legislation came up for a vote, it had widespread support from both parties and passed with just one no vote. It was signed into law by a Republican governor. I was able to accomplish the success of the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights by listening and understanding the concerns about the impact of bullying. That is what I will do when elected.

On NJ’s gun laws: I was recently awarded the 2023 Moms Demand Action Candidate Distinction. In the Assembly, I will work to pass common-sense firearms legislation that is designed to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. I will work with Republicans and Democrats to make sure we are passing legislation that has widespread support and takes into account the voices of everyone in Monmouth County. I support recent moves in the Legislature to implement extreme risk protection orders to keep guns away from dangerous individuals and support Senator Gopal’s legislation that makes it more difficult for animal abusers to purchase firearms.

On the Murphy administration’s climate change proposals: Energy efficiency is important as we look to make New Jersey a more sustainable state. I support offering incentives when homeowners are making upgrades to existing structures or appliances, or when homebuyers are looking to build a new house from the ground up. The state can and should offer incentives to encourage energy-efficient construction, but I do not believe anyone should be forced to via mandate. We need to move towards more sustainable energy, but it should not only be up to individual taxpayers, ratepayers and homeowners to foot the bill.

On housing affordability and property taxes: I support financing that would help create more housing in our state, especially when it comes to affordable housing. Too many families are being priced out of the housing market due to rising property taxes from the post-COVID housing boom. There needs to be a real partnership between the state and local municipalities to ensure that new housing construction is being optimized to provide more options for homebuyers. We must also look for more solutions to property tax rates and bills, just as the Legislature has recently done with property tax relief programs like StayNJ and ANCHOR. These programs will help seniors and families by returning large portions of their property tax bill to them so they have the ability to live, work and stay in New Jersey.

Final thoughts: I am proud to be running with two accomplished running mates, Senator Vin Gopal and Dr. Margie Donlon. Senator Gopal has been a tireless bipartisan public servant for Monmouth County. He has led the way on making our community more affordable by sponsoring the StayNJ property tax relief program. In this year’s state budget, he has brought home record levels of state funding for our local law enforcement departments, nonprofits, mental health services and schools. Dr. Donlon is the deputy mayor of Ocean Township. She has worked with both Republicans and Democrats on council to make Ocean Township more affordable by lowering the tax rate four years in a row. We need experienced local leaders like Margie in the Assembly to fight for a more affordable New Jersey. This is a team that will not only listen to concerns and show up, but will also get things done.

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Age: 57

Hometown: Data provider

Occupation: Shrewsbury

Personal background: I am a lifelong Shrewsbury Borough resident, a devoted mother of two amazing sons and a proud Red Bank Regional High School graduate. With a degree in sociology from Washington College, I have worked in finance, specifically focused on commission management on Wall Street. Currently, I manage analytics for the financial and insurance industries at a data company in Eatontown. Additionally, I am a licensed real estate agent. My diverse experiences have shaped me into a well-rounded and resourceful individual passionate about helping others.

Political background: Before my first term in the General Assembly, from 2018 to 2022, I had the privilege of serving as a Shrewsbury councilwoman, where I focused on ensuring the financial stability of the borough while preserving the services that our residents value. In 2020, I served as council president; in 2021, I was chairwoman of the open space committee. Throughout my tenure, one of my proudest accomplishments was successfully reducing the borough’s tax rate for multiple consecutive years, allowing our community to thrive and prosper without burdening our residents with excessive taxes. It was an honor to serve the people of Shrewsbury and work toward building a better future for our borough.

Why are you running for office?  Our district is currently facing a critical problem as our representatives in Trenton need to be more effectively addressing the genuine concerns of the average person. As residents, we have high expectations that our representatives will prioritize and tackle the urgent issues that affect us daily. Ultimately, our goal is to serve the people of our district with honesty, openness and earnestness. By working together and prioritizing the interests of our constituents, we can overcome the challenges of partisan politics and positively impact the lives of those we represent. This unwavering dedication to public service will continue to guide us to create a better future for our district and the State of New Jersey.

Key election issue: The rising mental health challenges among students are a cause for concern. We must recognize the increasingly complex issues our children face today, and our schools must provide comprehensive and accessible mental health support for our students. That’s why we are taking proactive measures to address these issues and remain deeply committed to securing sustained funding for our schools to implement safety measures, services and staff support that prioritize the mental well being of our students. Additionally, to address students’ mental health challenges, we acknowledge the importance of involving parents and honoring their fundamental right to be informed and engaged in their child’s mental health support and decision-making. We aim to empower parents by providing them the necessary tools and resources to create a comprehensive and inclusive mental health support system for our students.

We believe in increasing access to counseling services and implementing school social-emotional learning programs to support students’ mental health and well being. We aim to collaborate with community mental health professionals while including parents in the care of their children. We also support providing education and resources for teachers to address mental health concerns better. Our goal is to create a nurturing educational environment, reduce the stigma around mental health, and equip students with the tools to take care of their mental well being while including parents as part of the process.

Example of a successful project: This year, despite the potential funding cuts to school-based mental health programs, Marilyn and I petitioned Gov. Murphy to reconsider his plan of delivering mental health support from regional hubs instead of immediate care at schools, a plan endorsed by Senator Gopal. We fought to save effective programs, like Red Bank Regional’s’ The Source, by engaging in conversations with the governor’s office and launching editorial and letter-writing campaigns. Thanks to our efforts and community support, we successfully preserved these school-based programs that benefit thousands of students.

Example of a challenge faced: After my husband passed away, my family and I faced various financial and emotional hurdles. Suddenly, I dealt with the financial and emotional burdens of making ends meet, prioritizing bills and ensuring my children’s basic needs were met. I had to navigate the difficult choices of whether to put food on the table or gas in the car. Additionally, I worried about my children’s mental and physical well being during this stressful time. However, this situation has made me incredibly compassionate and understanding. It has motivated me to fight for those facing similar circumstances as a member of the Human Services Committee. I am proud of being able to make informed decisions on issues, such as affordable child care, financial hardship and the numerous difficulties that come with illness. Throughout this journey, I have learned to be resilient and resourceful, ultimately overcoming these challenges while being a devoted mother to my wonderful children.

On NJ’s gun laws: Fairer gun laws and comprehensive gun safety education are essential to ensuring the safety and well being of our entire community. By imposing stricter penalties that effectively discourage repeat violent offenders and restrict firearms access to individuals with a history of domestic violence, we can simultaneously protect our law-abiding and responsible gun owners and LD11 residents.

On the Murphy administration’s climate change proposals: We should promote innovation and advance cost-effective, dependable and clean technologies rather than mindlessly pursuing lofty and unattainable energy solutions in the name of pseudo-environmentalism. However, Gov. Murphy’s Master Energy Plan, which includes a proposal to shift to all-electric vehicles by 2035, will significantly restrict consumer options and render new cars unaffordable for the working and middle classes. Consequently, this will harm the automotive industry, its employees and the economy.

On housing affordability and property taxes: We have introduced two bills to hold municipalities accountable for flouting employee vacation and sick pay laws, resulting in hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars being misused. Our proposed bills would establish additional oversight measures, such as requiring municipalities to publish their payment policies on their websites or the Department of Community Affairs’ site and creating an Office of Leave Time Compliance to ensure compliance with sick and vacation leave policies. Closing the loopholes and enforcing the existing reforms is crucial to providing substantial property tax relief.

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Age: 45

Hometown: Ocean Twp.

Occupation: Doctor of rehabilitation and physical medicine

Personal background: I grew up in Maryland, but my education and career in medicine brought me to the tri-state area, and, eventually, Monmouth County. I attended Middlebury College before receiving my master’s in health policy from Yale and my medical degree from the University of Rochester. I am a board-certified doctor of rehabilitation and physical medicine and now work with patients in Monmouth County, focusing on senior care, in honor of my Grandma Millie. I am the deputy mayor of Ocean Township and have been on the council since 2019. I am a mom to two daughters, Amalia and Vera, and if elected, I will be the first female practicing physician ever elected to the Legislature.

Political background: As deputy mayor, I ran twice on a bipartisan ticket. I work daily with Republicans and Democrats on a nonpartisan council to get results for Ocean Township. While I am a Democrat, I feel that the best outcomes result in hearing from both sides of the aisle and working together, which is what I do every day.

Why are you running for office? I was first inspired to run for office in 2016, when I saw there was a need for more women in leadership positions. It seemed more and more like we were being left out of the conversations, even with regards to our own bodies. As deputy mayor of Ocean Township, a board-certified rehabilitation doctor and avid surfer, I have spent my time in Monmouth County appreciating nature, fighting for Ocean Township residents, and improving patients’ lives through rehabilitation medicine. I decided to run for Assembly because I want to take those lessons and experiences and fight for those same goals and ideals in the Assembly. As someone who has taken the Hippocratic oath to do no harm, I am running so that I can make sure no one is harmed by decisions purely based on politics or made without proper consideration for those in Monmouth County. I will fight for fairer taxes so that working families of Monmouth County can afford to live here and seniors can afford to stay here. I will take my experience as a working mom raising my daughters to push for more services for our kids and families. I will fight to protect our environment and make sure it’s preserved for future generations.

Key election issue: Keeping Monmouth County families safe, making Monmouth County a more affordable place to raise a family and stay here into retirement, and protecting health-care freedom.

We need to ensure that those who’ve made Monmouth County a great place to live are able to afford to stay here into retirement. It is why I am so proud to be running with Senator Gopal, who was a prime sponsor of StayNJ, the largest property tax relief program in New Jersey state history, which will return to seniors 50% of their property taxes (up to $6,500). I also support recent measures taken by the Legislature, such as the ANCHOR property tax relief program and Senior Freeze, both of which give relief to families and seniors who are struggling to afford to live in New Jersey.

Example of a successful project: As deputy mayor of Ocean Township, I have consistently been a leader on environmental issues facing the town. As a member of the town Shade Tree Commission, I have helped pass new ordinances to preserve trees, reduce flooding and protect the environment. As a member of the Environmental Commission I have contributed to the development of ordinances addressing and reducing stormwater runoff. I also initiated the revitalization of the town’s “Green Team.” Annually, this team is responsible for the “Green Fest,” a festival to bring environmental ideas and vendors to Ocean Township to help educate across generations. Lastly, I am a member of the Deal Watershed Alliance, where I am working on projects to reduce silt water filling in the lake to improve water quality. This has had a direct impact in increasing recreational access to the lake.

Example of a challenge faced: I work every day on behalf of my patients to give them the care and treatment they deserve. That often means fighting with insurance companies on my patients’ behalf to advocate for their needs. I have seen up close the reality of what happens when patient care is sacrificed because of bad health-care policy, and it can be challenging to fight against these policies and large corporations. I went into medicine to help people, and I am running for the Assembly for the exact same reason. In the Assembly, I will take my experience in medicine and health-care policy and work to put the needs of patients at the forefront of our health-care system, just as I do every day as a doctor.

On NJ’s gun laws: I was just awarded the 2023 Moms Demand Action Candidate Distinction. In the Assembly, I will support common-sense gun laws that keep our families and communities safe. I will bring together constituents from all sides of the issue to make sure they have a voice in legislation being drafted. I support recent measures taken by the Legislature to implement extreme risk protection orders to get guns away from dangerous people and support Senator Gopal’s bill that makes it more difficult for animal abusers to purchase guns.

On the Murphy administration’s climate change proposals: I agree that we need to be working as a state to make it more sustainable. However, it should not be left to the taxpayer to pay for these changes. We need to make sure that the efforts to transition to clean energy are not costing homeowners, ratepayers or taxpayers, and that we promote clean energy in non-detrimental ways for families. I would not force mandates on New Jersey residents. State incentives are the best route for achieving efficiency goals.

On housing affordability and property taxes: As deputy mayor of Ocean Township, the biggest issue I hear about from constituents is property taxes. Older families are getting priced out of the homes they have raised their kids in. Young families are trying to buy their first home and simply cannot afford it. I strongly support the historic tax relief programs, StayNJ and ANCHOR, that will help seniors and families to afford to live and stay here. In the Assembly, I will focus on finding more legislative solutions that make New Jersey more affordable for everyone. I will work with local municipalities to make sure we are addressing property tax issues from the Statehouse down to the municipal level. There needs to be partnership at the state and local levels to ensure future housing investments are being done in a responsible and non-exclusionary manner, so that more residents are able to participate in the housing market. I also would support prioritizing upgrades and repairs to existing units, so we are not abandoning old housing that can be utilized.

Final thoughts: I am proud to be running with two incredible running mates, Senator Vin Gopal and Luanne Peterpaul. Senator Gopal has been a fantastic bipartisan leader for Monmouth County. He has secured historic investment for our county in this year’s state budget and brought real property tax relief back home for our seniors and families. Ms. Peterpaul is an attorney, a former county prosecutor and former municipal court judge for the cities of Long Branch and Asbury Park. She has extensive experience working with law enforcement and taking on violent criminals. She will be a strong public safety advocate for our community in the Assembly.

Campaign website

Age: 58

Hometown: Colts Neck

Occupation: Fitness/wellness instructor

Personal background: I’m a Long Island native with a background in publishing and a passion for fitness and nutrition. After earning my bachelor’s degrees in literature and communications, I spent 20 years working on academic textbooks and consumer publications in the publishing industry. Along the way, I discovered a love for fitness and nutrition and pursued certifications in these fields. As a fitness instructor and nutrition coach, I strive to help individuals achieve their health and wellness goals by providing personalized workout plans and tailored nutrition guidance. I live in Colts Neck with my husband, Paul, and three wonderful children.

Political background: After a successful publishing career spanning 20 years, I decided to prioritize raising my two sons and my daughter while actively engaging in community organizations. I volunteered with the Colts Neck Parent Teacher Organization and the education program at St. Mary’s Parish in Colts Neck. Additionally, I assumed the role of a youth sports coach, contributing my time and skills to the local community. In March 2017, I created an annual food drive benefiting three organizations: Lunch Break, the Center and Ronald McDonald House. This experience ignited my passion for advocating, volunteering and improving our community and it hasn’t stopped. As a working mom, handling today’s real world concerns makes us very much the truest representation of our voters. We were elected because we bring a fresh and untainted perspective to policy. We are grassroots, community-oriented and driven by common sense. By focusing on kitchen table issues, we will continue to bring that same dedication and passion to Trenton.

Why are you running for office? As working moms, Kim and I believe it is crucial to have more representatives like ourselves who can provide common-sense leadership in our district. However, the current voting record of Senator Gopal and the Democratic majority has hurt our community, negatively affecting our quality of life, safety and affordability. Two years ago, we ran for office to prioritize education, positive parent-teacher relations, community law and order, and affordability for our residents. We are earnest, energetic, and dedicated public servants and remain inspired to continue working for the well being and prosperity of the 19 municipalities we represent.

Key election issue: First and foremost, a top priority is to restore the $70 million in state aid cut from LD11 school districts due to the passage of S2. Unfortunately, the current approach to school funding has devastated our students’ success. Despite the dire need for resources and improvements in our schools, Senator Gopal and the Democratic majority, who hold key positions, such as the chair of the Education Committee, have failed to address this issue adequately. Our students and educators are deprived of the quality education they deserve, putting their future at risk. We are committed to rectifying this situation and further advocating for the rights of parents and students in our district.

Kim, Steve and I are committed to fighting for full funding of our schools that have lost millions of dollars in state aid. Our plan, A5253, includes structural changes to the school funding formula, resulting in increased state aid and lower property taxes. This plan ensures that every child receives a strong foundation for learning and provides up to $800 million in additional aid for school districts to cut property taxes. It also allows school districts to better prepare for the potential loss of state aid during economic downturns, and any remaining funds will be used for school construction and renovations to improve our children’s learning environment.

Example of a successful project: In response to the appalling conditions faced by veterans residing in state-run nursing homes during the pandemic, we wasted no time taking action. Setting aside party differences, we collaborated with Democratic Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker on a crucial bill. This legislation aims to convert specific wards in the Menlo Park and Paramus veterans homes into single-occupancy rooms equipped with enhanced ventilation systems. To further address this issue, we proposed the establishment of a special committee tasked with investigating and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future. Additionally, we are seeking bipartisan support for improved transportation access for our veterans. If we fail to come together for the well being of those who served our country, we should all be ashamed.

Example of a challenge faced: A few months after our wedding, my father and my husband’s father faced serious health issues. We spent nearly every weekend driving between hospitals, juggling work and caregiving responsibilities. It was emotionally and physically exhausting, and we constantly feared losing our loved ones. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, we stayed positive and relied on prayer and support from family and friends. We made the most of our time with our fathers, even though it meant sacrificing our time and dealing with the strain on our careers. Sadly, we lost my dad and then my father-in-law within a few months of each other. It was a challenging time but it also brought us closer as a couple. We learned to lean on each other for support and to cherish the moments we had with our loved ones. Throughout it all, we remained united and have been married for 26 years. Our experience has given us a deep empathy for others, which is why Kim and I have so much compassion and prioritize health care, child care and senior care in New Jersey.

On NJ’s gun laws: We need to make the punishments for the illegal possession of firearms tougher. We must also focus on community policing to stop illegal guns from getting in. In addition, we must educate our local communities on law enforcement’s important role in keeping our neighborhoods safe. Engaging with community leaders and organizations will build a stronger sense of trust and understanding between the police and the community.

On the Murphy administration’s climate change proposals: I support efforts to protect the environment. However, we need a more balanced and practical approach to combating climate change than the governor’s proposed costly mandates to replace natural gas heating systems with electric heat pumps. Such mandates would be incredibly expensive for homeowners and financially strain businesses. Moreover, low-income households would be disproportionately affected, exacerbating their financial hardships. We must prioritize the financial stability of our taxpayers, businesses and infrastructure.

On housing affordability and property taxes: The Fully Funding Schools and Cutting Property Taxes Act addresses high property taxes and underfunded public education in New Jersey. Sponsored by us, our plan would restore all S2 funding cuts, increase state aid to adequacy for all districts, and ultimately lower property taxes by an average of $804 in the first year, with ongoing reductions each subsequent year. By fully funding schools, we can successfully reduce property taxes while improving the education system in our state.

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