Former Roselle mayor Jamel Holley received the oath of office from Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto on Monday to become a member of the New Jersey General Assembly.
“Jamel has proven his dedication to residents of New Jersey by tirelessly standing up for families in his hometown of Roselle,” said Speaker Prieto. “He brings with him a sense of selflessness and a passion for making sure the hardworking people of this state can reach their full potential. As he joins the Democratic caucus today, I have full confidence that he will build upon a well-established reputation for doing what is in their best interest.”
Holley is the first African-American to represent the 20th legislative district, which includes Elizabeth, Hillside, Roselle and Union Township in Union County. He replaces Joseph Cryan, who resigned from the legislature to become Union County sheriff.
“The people of the 20th legislative district have been represented by extraordinary public servants in Trenton, and I am honored to have the opportunity to join their ranks in fighting for New Jersey residents,” said Holley (D-Union). “After a decade of working to establish youth programs, preserve open space, increase transparency and save taxpayer dollars in Roselle, I look forward to cooperating with my fellow lawmakers to deliver even greater results and open new doors for all residents of District 20.”
Holley, a lifelong Roselle resident, launched his political career in 2001, when he was appointed to serve as chief of staff in the 20th legislative district, making him the youngest legislative staffer in state history to assume the role in any district. He then again made history in 2004 upon being elected to the Roselle borough council at age 25. Holley was successful in two consecutive re-election bids before he was elected in 2011 to serve as the youngest mayor in the borough’s history.
Holley serves as director of the Department of Public Works in Irvington.
A graduate of Abraham Clark High School in Roselle, Holley holds a bachelor’s degree from New Jersey City University and a master’s in public administration from Kean University.