(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto on Thursday announced he has re-appointed Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter as Assembly Majority Conference Leader.
Sumter, of Paterson, was first sworn to the Assembly in 2012 representing the 35th District in Bergen and Passaic counties.
As conference leader, Sumter will be part of the Assembly’s Democratic majority leadership team and will preside over caucus discussions and debate.
“Assemblywoman Sumter’s sense of order and composure under pressure has proven invaluable in the last two years,” said Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen). “As we continue pushing forward our agenda, Shavonda will continue to be an effective and solid leader amongst her peers in the legislature. I look forward to her continued support in steering the caucus through lively debates and discussions on the issues important to New Jersey families.”
“Again, I thank Speaker Prieto for the opportunity to resume the role as conference leader and help guide the caucus through the coming term,” said Sumter (D-Passaic/Bergen). “I am honored to join leadership once again and stand with the Assembly Democratic caucus in continuing our work in advocating for New Jersey’s working class, for New Jersey’s children and their future.
“I also thank Bergen and Passaic county residents for reaffirming their faith in my team and sending us back to Trenton. I’m ready. No days off. Let’s get back to work.”
Sumter received her Bachelor of Arts in political science from Kean University, and her Master of Business Administration in health care administration from the Fairleigh Dickinson University Silberman School of Business. She is the Director of Behavioral Health Services at Hackensack UMC Mountainside hospital.
Sumter and her husband, Kenneth, have two children: Tyler and Kenneth.
Sumter represents the 35th Legislative District, which includes the Bergen County municipalities of Elmwood Park and Garfield; and the Passaic County municipalities of Haledon, North Haledon, Paterson and Prospect Park.