Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Newark) has been appointed as the new chairwoman of the N.J. Legislative Latino Caucus, succeeding Nellie Pou, who was elected to serve in Congress.
Ruiz will be joined on the leadership team by Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-Camden), who will serve as vice chair; Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-Perth Amboy), who will serve as treasurer; and Assemblywoman Alixon Collazos-Gill (D-Montclair), who will serve as secretary.
Since its inception in 1995, the caucus has had a strong record of advancing the priorities of the Latino community in New Jersey. Ruiz said she looks forward to building upon these accomplishments and advocating for equity, empowerment, and new opportunities for all Latinos.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Senator and Congresswoman-Elect Nellie Pou for her nearly two decades of service as Chairwoman,” she said. “Senator Pou’s leadership was defined by her deep compassion, her collaborative spirit, and her unwavering commitment to our communities.
“Collectively, we will continue to build upon this legacy and grow our policy agenda and efforts in public service for those in need in New Jersey. I look forward to working alongside our eleven incredible members and I am deeply grateful for the trust they have placed in me to lead. Together, we will continue to fight for a brighter future for all Latinos, ensuring our voices are heard and our families thrive.”
Pou called the caucus a legacy effort.
“As I begin this next chapter in the United States Congress, I can think of no greater accomplishment than having served in the New Jersey Legislature and as chairwoman of the Legislative Latino Caucus,” she said. “Over nearly two decades of leadership, our membership has expanded, and with it, our collective voice has grown stronger. Together, we have made lasting strides for Latino families of every background.”
Cruz-Perez called it a bittersweet moment.
“We are so joyful and proud of Congresswoman-Elect Pou, who will make history as the first Latina Congresswoman from New Jersey, and thank her for her leadership,” she said. “As a caucus, our priority remains to advocate for Latinos in every room we enter and uplift our communities in every corner of the state, and I will do everything I can to advance this mission.”
Lopez agreed.
“There has been no stauncher ally for the Latino community in New Jersey and beyond than Senator Nellie Pou,” she said. “Thanks to her leadership on the Latino Caucus over the past two decades, we have been able to achieve a strong policy agenda, that has made a difference in the lives of countless individuals and families.
“Although, she will be missed, I am proud that she will make history as New Jersey’s first Latina Congresswoman and more so that we will have her as an unwavering voice and fierce advocate for the needs of our community in Washington, which is needed now more than ever. I wish Senator Pou all the best and am confident that the Latino Caucus will continue to work tirelessly for the Hispanic community under the leadership of our new Chair, Majority Leader Ruiz. I look forward to our agenda and the work ahead.”
Collazos-Gill said she is eager to get going.
“I am proud to lend my voice as a member of the executive committee and I look forward to continue to work with them to fight for the rights of the Latino community in our great state,” she said.
