Democrat,

On Monday, we came together to reflect on a solemn anniversary, marking 22 years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Each September 11, we remember the nearly 3,000 lives that were lost, including nearly 700 New Jerseyans whose memories are forever etched in our hearts and our nation's history. We continue to stand in solidarity with the families whose lives were forever altered by this tragedy, offering our continued support and empathy. And we honor the unwavering bravery of our first responders, who selflessly rushed towards danger to save lives in the face of unthinkable adversity. Amid the memories of that day, let us use this moment to reaffirm the core values that New Jersey holds dear—unity and peace. Together, we remember, we honor, and we renew our commitment to building a brighter and more unified future.

I also want to congratulate Tahesha Way on becoming our state’s next Lieutenant Governor and commend Governor Murphy for making this appointment. While we all still mourn the passing of former Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, I am confident that Tahesha will thrive in this role not just by honoring and continuing Sheila’s work, but by putting her unique stamp on the position. She has proven herself to be a dedicated public servant, someone who shares our party’s and our state’s core values. Tahesha has been an important member of Governor Murphy’s administration since day one, serving as Secretary of State – a role that only becomes more important with every election cycle. She has also served as an elected official, a member of the judiciary and a community leader, making her an ideal candidate to step into the role of Lieutenant Governor.

In making this appointment, Governor Murphy has once again proven his commitment to diversity and to raising up talented Black women to the highest positions of power in state government. I thank him for his efforts to make New Jersey a more equitable place and I look forward to working with Lieutenant Governor Way and her team as we continue working to move our state forward.

Last week Governor Murphy signed into law a bill affirming the fundamental right of a person to marry or enter into a civil union with a person of any race. While this law seems obvious and unnecessary, the bill ensures that interracial marriage in New Jersey is protected even if the United States Supreme Court decides that the federal Constitution no longer protects the right to marry someone of a different race.

In 1967, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Loving v. Virginia that the federal Constitution prohibits state laws that ban interracial marriage. Over the last several years, however, the new majority on the Supreme Court has overturned numerous precedents protecting fundamental liberties and equality. When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Org., the Justices discussed whether the decision to eliminate the federal constitutional right to an abortion also threatened other well-established precedents like Loving. This legislation signed by Governor Murphy addresses such concerns by enshrining the fundamental right of interracial marriage in New Jersey statutory law.

These are unprecedented times as basic human rights and fundamental principles of law continue to fall at the hands of extremist Republican judges. As we can no longer count on the Supreme Court to protect our rights, we are grateful to Governor Murphy and the Democratic legislature for taking this important step. This is the type of proactive leadership we need from all of our elected officials to assure American families that we are on their side of history and that we will do everything in our power to protect their right to make their own decisions about who to love and how to be a family.

Vice President Kamala Harris announced that she will embark on a month-long college tour throughout America to mobilize young people in the ongoing fight for our fundamental freedoms and rights. The Vice President’s “Fight for Our Freedoms College Tour '' stops will focus on key issues that disproportionately impact young people across the country – from reproductive freedom and gun safety to climate action, voting rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and book bans.

“This generation is critical to the urgent issues that are at stake right now for our future,” said Vice President Harris. “It is young leaders throughout America who know what the solutions look like and are organizing in their communities to make them a reality. My message to students is clear: We are counting on you, we need you, you are everything.”

While Vice President Harris may not be stopping in New Jersey, the NJDSC’s Voter Outreach Program allows young people across the state to get involved in text banks to mobilize young voters ahead of the General Election, with virtual events happening on a weekly basis. It is critical for young people to make sure they and their friends are registered to vote, that they are using their voice by voting, and that they are staying engaged.

The active participation of young people in the democratic process is also vital for shaping the future of our Party. Their fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and passion for change breathe new life into our mission and goals for the future of our state- and country. It is incumbent upon the older generation of Democrats to, not only encourage, but also actively listen to the concerns and needs of our young people. By fostering a two-way dialogue, we can ensure that the democratic process remains inclusive while paving the way for a society that truly represents the aspirations and needs of all generations.

— Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.

ICYMI: Senator Menendez is hosting his 13th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Sunday, September 24th 2:30pm at Union City High School. Find out more here!

P.S. Join our Interfaith Committee & Women's Caucus to discuss experiences in faith spaces and how to bridge the gender gaps. It will be held Monday, September 18 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Sign up here!