Biography
Raj Mukherji, born on July 15, 1984, is a Democratic politician representing New Jersey's 32nd Legislative District in the State Senate since January 9, 2024. Prior to his Senate tenure, he served five terms in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2014 to 2024, holding leadership roles such as Majority Whip and Deputy Speaker. Mukherji has a diverse professional background, including experience as a lawyer, healthcare and information technology entrepreneur, municipal prosecutor, and political science professor. He also served as Deputy Mayor of Jersey City from 2012 to 2013 and chaired the Jersey City Housing Authority from 2008 to 2024. A retired U.S. Marine Corps sergeant, he enlisted two weeks after the September 11 attacks and served in military intelligence.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Thomas Edison State College
- Master of Liberal Arts from the University of Pennsylvania
- Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law
- Master of Public Policy from Princeton University
Political Experience
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New Jersey State Senate : Elected to represent the 32nd Legislative District, serving as Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and member of the Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, and the Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.
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New Jersey General Assembly : Represented the 33rd Legislative District, holding positions including Majority Whip , Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore , and Deputy Speaker and Deputy Parliamentarian .
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Deputy Mayor of Jersey City : Appointed at age 27, overseeing various municipal initiatives.
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Chairman, Jersey City Housing Authority : Appointed at age 24, leading the state's second-largest public housing authority.
Notable Achievements
- Recognized as the most prolific New Jersey legislator in 2016, with 23 bills signed into law that year.
- Appointed as Majority Whip of the New Jersey General Assembly in 2018, becoming the first Asian American to hold this position.
- Endorsed by Governor Phil Murphy for his State Senate candidacy in 2023.
- Served as Chair of the Senate Military and Veterans Committee and Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.
Mukherji's legislative focus includes economic development, healthcare access, environmental protection, veterans' welfare, and social justice. His diverse experiences and leadership roles reflect his commitment to public service and community development.
