East Rutherford, NJ — On the evening of Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Governor Mikie Sherrill celebrated the start of her term with a distinctive...

New Jersey lawmakers are considering a significant change to how elections are conducted in the state: ranked choice voting (RCV). This system, gaining attention across the nation, allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting only a single choice. Advocates argue that RCV ensures the winning candidate has broad support, even in elections crowded with multiple contenders, and reduces the impact of vote splitting by third-party candidates. The mechanics of ranked choice voting are straightforward but transformative. In a single-winner race, such as a mayoral or gubernatorial election, voters rank candidates as first choice, second choice, third choice, and so on. If a candidate receives more than 50% of first-choice votes, they...

As Senator Raymond Lesniak reflects on a lifetime of public service, he leaves behind a legacy of leadership, integrity, and advocacy that has left an indelible mark on New Jersey politics. Throughout his career, Lesniak has been a tireless champion for progressive causes and social justice, fighting for the rights of the marginalized and the voiceless with passion and determination. Born and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Lesniak's journey into politics began in the 1970s, when he was elected to the state legislature as a young attorney. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become one of the most influential and respected lawmakers in the state, earning praise from colleagues and constituents alike for...