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Senator Ruiz Takes Oath as First Latina to Serve in New Jersey Senate Leadership

Senate Oath

Senator Sworn in As Senate President Pro Tempore

 TRENTON – Senator M. Teresa Ruiz was sworn in this week to serve as Senate President Pro Tempore, after being elected to the leadership position by her Senate colleagues. Senator Ruiz becomes the first Latina to serve in the role and in a leadership position in the New Jersey Senate.

“I am honored to be chosen by my colleagues to serve as Senate President Pro Tempore, and to be a part of this leadership team,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex), who will also continue serving as chair of the Senate Education Committee. “I am also very proud to be the first Latina to serve in a leadership position in the New Jersey Senate. I have often said that it is our diversity that makes our state great and that make our institutions strong. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the new session to expand opportunities for families in the state and to improve the quality of life for all residents.”

Senator Ruiz was sworn in as Senate President Pro Tempore at the Senate’s organizational meeting along with the members of the New Jersey Senate. Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg also took the oath of office to continue serving in their respective leadership positions.

The Senate President Pro Tempore possesses all the powers of the Senate President and is responsible for carrying out the duties of the Senate President in his absence. The Senate President Pro Tempore also presides over Senate voting sessions if the Senate President desires to temporarily vacate the chair.

Senator Ruiz became the first Latina to serve in the New Jersey Senate in 2008. She took the oath of office Tuesday to serve a new term in the Senate to represent the 29th Legislative District, which includes Newark and Belleville.