Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, a candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, has secured a major endorsement from New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, reinforcing his growing momentum in the race to succeed Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill.
Senate Majority Leader Ruiz praised Gill for his hands-on approach to public service, noting his leadership in a variety of local and statewide initiatives. “As an Essex County Commissioner, Brendan has been a phenomenal partner in delivering for our constituents,” Ruiz said. “From advancing the Greenway Project, to improving pedestrian safety, to ensuring access to clean drinking water and protecting children’s right to a quality public education, Brendan has consistently brought leaders together to deliver real results for our communities. I am proud to endorse him for Congress and know he will continue this important work in Washington.”
Gill expressed his appreciation for the endorsement, highlighting Ruiz’s trailblazing career and commitment to public service. “As the highest-ranking Latina legislator in New Jersey history, Senator Ruiz has transformed lives across the state through legislation that expands early childhood education, establishes a nationally recognized nurse visitation program for new mothers, and removes barriers for women and people of color pursuing high-growth careers,” Gill said. “I am deeply humbled to receive her support. Her pragmatic, solution-driven approach inspires the kind of leadership I aim to bring to Congress.”
This endorsement adds to Gill’s expanding coalition of political support in Essex and Passaic Counties, which already includes notable figures such as Senator John F. McKeon (LD-27), Senator Renee C. Burgess (LD-28), Senator Britnee N. Timberlake (LD-34), Assemblywoman Alixon Collazos-Gill (LD-27), Assemblyman Michael Venezia (LD-34), Assemblywoman Carmen Theresa Morales (LD-34), and Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (LD-35).
A lifelong New Jerseyan and Montclair native, Brendan Gill has built a career advocating for working families, strong public education, and safe, vibrant communities. His experience includes serving as a senior adviser to Governor Phil Murphy, Senator Cory Booker, Senator Frank Lautenberg, and Congressman Bill Pascrell, preparing him to represent local interests at the federal level.
Gill’s campaign emphasizes a commitment to pragmatic solutions and cross-party collaboration, aiming to bring the same results-oriented leadership to Congress that he has demonstrated throughout his career in New Jersey. With endorsements from high-profile state leaders and a record of tangible achievements, his candidacy is positioning him as a leading contender for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.
Senator Teresa Ruiz: Shaping New Jersey’s Policy Landscape with Leadership and Vision. Senator Teresa Ruiz, the current Majority Leader of the New Jersey Senate, stands as one of the most influential figures in state politics and the highest-ranking Latina legislator in New Jersey history. Representing the 29th Legislative District—which includes significant portions of Newark and Hillside in Essex County—Ruiz has built a reputation for championing education, family support, workforce development, and equity-driven policies. Her career reflects a commitment to practical solutions and impactful legislation that touches the lives of New Jersey residents across diverse communities.
Political Leadership and Background
Ruiz assumed the role of Senate Majority Leader in January 2022, making history as the first Latina to lead either chamber of the New Jersey Legislature. She was first elected to the Senate in 2007 and officially took office in January 2008, representing District 29 with a focus on the needs of urban constituents. Prior to her tenure in the Legislature, Ruiz worked as a pre-K teacher and served as deputy chief of staff to Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., experiences that have informed her pragmatic approach to policymaking. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Drew University and completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Education and Early Childhood Initiatives
A hallmark of Ruiz’s legislative career is her dedication to expanding educational access and equity. She has been instrumental in broadening early childhood education across New Jersey, ensuring that children in underserved communities have the support and resources needed to succeed. Additionally, Ruiz strengthened the Amistad Commission to promote accurate representation of African American history in school curricula, helping students gain a more comprehensive understanding of the state’s diverse heritage.
Family Support and Maternal Health
Ruiz has advanced legislation that directly benefits families, particularly new parents. In 2021, she sponsored a landmark law granting all new parents access to a cost-free home nurse visit, establishing the nation’s most comprehensive program of its kind. This initiative underscores her commitment to maternal and infant health, providing critical guidance and support during the early months of parenthood.
Workforce Development and Economic Opportunity
Senator Ruiz has focused extensively on workforce initiatives, aiming to create accessible career pathways for New Jersey residents. Her policies include expanding apprenticeship programs and supporting high-growth industry careers while simultaneously increasing diversity among the state’s teaching workforce. These efforts not only address immediate employment needs but also strengthen the long-term economic prospects of the communities she represents.
Social Justice, Criminal Justice Reform, and Immigration
Ruiz has championed progressive reforms to reduce barriers for historically marginalized groups. She sponsored “Ban the Box” legislation, making it easier for individuals with criminal justice involvement to access employment opportunities. In addition, she played a pivotal role in establishing a Mental Health Diversion Program to provide alternatives to incarceration for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Her advocacy for immigrant communities is equally notable; through the Higher Education Citizenship Equality Act, undocumented students attending New Jersey colleges and universities gain access to in-state tuition and state financial aid, expanding educational opportunity for all residents.
Reproductive Rights, Women’s Health, and Public Safety
In response to the national shift in reproductive rights, Ruiz introduced legislation in New Jersey to safeguard access to abortion care and codify Medicaid postpartum coverage, reinforcing the state’s commitment to women’s health. She also has a longstanding record on public safety, including sponsoring a 2009 law that limits handgun purchases to one per month, helping curb gun violence.
Addressing Food Insecurity and Consumer Protection
Ruiz has led initiatives to combat food insecurity, expanding access to federal free and reduced-price meal programs for students and requiring public universities to provide food assistance resources. Her work also spans consumer protection and affordability, ensuring that schools offer no-fee lunch payment options and regulating secondhand cellphone sales to prevent exploitation.
Urban Development, Housing, and Technology
Recognizing the importance of vibrant, equitable communities, Ruiz has supported legislation aimed at historic property reinvestment and addressing New Jersey’s housing shortage, promoting affordable living solutions. She has also advocated for digital equity, backing resolutions urging Congress to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program, which ensures low-income households can access reliable broadband service.
Through decades of service, Teresa Ruiz has positioned herself as a solution-driven leader whose work bridges education, social equity, family support, and economic development. Her influence resonates across local, state, and national policy conversations, shaping a New Jersey that is more inclusive, equitable, and forward-looking.
For readers seeking more coverage of New Jersey political developments and election updates, Explore New Jersey provides in-depth reporting and insights into local and statewide campaigns through its politics section.
