Former Camden City Councilman Arthur Barclay received the oath of office from Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto on Tuesday to become a member of the New Jersey General Assembly.
“Arthur’s clear vision and passion for his hometown and the surrounding areas will be an asset to the legislature,” said Speaker Prieto (D-Bergen/Hudson). “I look forward to the new ideas and fresh perspective he will bring as the Assembly continues working to make life better for New Jersey residents.”
Along with Assemblywoman Patricia Egan Jones, Barclay now represents the 5th Legislative District, which encompasses municipalities in Gloucester and Camden counties, including the city of Camden, in which Barclay was born and raised.
“The opportunity to represent the friends and neighbors I grew up with as a member of the General Assembly is an honor and a privilege,” said Barclay (D-Camden/Gloucester). “The people of the 5th District deserve an advocate who fights for good jobs, quality schools and safe neighborhoods, and I am fully committed to serving as their voice in Trenton.”
Barclay was first elected to the Camden City Council in 2014 after serving on the Camden City Zoning Board of Adjustments. He also is a member of the Camden City and Camden County Democratic Committees.
Barclay began his professional life in the private sector, working in Washington, D.C. with FedEx Corp. upon graduating from college. A successful athlete at the high school and collegiate levels, the 2013 South Jersey Basketball Hall of Fame inductee then joined the Premier Basketball League in 2007 and played professional basketball until 2009 for the Rochester Razorsharks.
A graduate of Camden High School, Barclay holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Memphis. He serves his community as a volunteer with the Camden High School men’s basketball team and the Below the Rim Basketball Program. Barclay also volunteers with South Jersey Rising Stars and previously was a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Camden County Board of Trustees.