New Jersey families are being squeezed by rising costs—housing, healthcare, groceries, and property taxes. As a mom, educator, and public servant, I see it every day. We must make our state more affordable while keeping our communities safe and strong. That means fully funding public schools to reduce the property tax burden, expanding access to affordable housing, and growing clean energy and infrastructure jobs that support union workers.

I also support legislation that increases penalties for serious crimes like home invasions and burglaries—because public safety and accountability matter. We need a government that listens and delivers for working families, educators, law enforcement, and our most vulnerable communities. I’m committed to building a safer, more affordable New Jersey—where every resident, no matter where they come from, has the opportunity to succeed.

Democracy works best when every eligible voter has fair and full access to the ballot. I support automatic and same-day voter registration, expanded vote-by-mail, and making Election Day a state holiday—so no one has to choose between work and their right to vote. I back campaign finance reforms to limit dark money and empower small donors, because our government should answer to people, not special interests.

We must also expand early voting options, invest in civic education, and protect the voting rights of workers, especially those with unpredictable schedules. As a Latina, a mom of three, and a proud Democrat, I believe every voice matters—especially those that have historically been left out. Our democracy depends on it.

We strengthen our economy by investing in the people who make it work. That means supporting small businesses—especially those owned by women, veterans, and people of color—and making sure working parents can afford childcare and paid leave. I champion union jobs in public infrastructure, clean energy, and construction, expanding organized labor into the AI and Semiconductor Chip manufacturing and innovation and I proudly support raising the minimum wage and protecting the right to organize.

As someone who came from humble beginnings and worked my way through every level of education, I understand what opportunity looks like—and how hard it is to come by for too many families. A strong economy puts workers first, protects labor rights, and ensures that every New Jersey family—not just the wealthy—can thrive.

As a lifelong educator—teacher, principal, superintendent—I know education is the great equalizer. That’s why I’m fighting to fully fund New Jersey’s school formula and ensure those funds reach the students who need them most. I’ve led efforts to remove outdated barriers to teacher certification, modernize school buildings, and support student mental health.

I’ve introduced legislation to limit cell phone distractions in classrooms so kids can focus, and I stand firmly against efforts—like those led by Donald Trump—to dismantle public education or abolish the U.S. Department of Education. In Trenton, I bring real experience from the classroom and school leadership. My goal is simple: to make sure every child, in every zip code, has access to a world-class education—and every teacher gets the support and respect they deserve.

As a proud Jewish Latina and immigrant who arrived in New Jersey at age seven, I know firsthand the struggles immigrant families face—and the power of education and opportunity to change lives. My family fled poverty and persecution, and it was this state that gave us a chance to succeed.

That’s why I champion inclusive, humane immigration policies. I support access to healthcare, education, and legal services for undocumented residents, and I proudly co-sponsored the Immigrant Trust Act.

Immigrants are small business owners, health aides, teachers, and first responders. They are our neighbors and our future. When we welcome and empower immigrants, we strengthen New Jersey—for everyone.

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The rising cost of living! Almost every conversation I've had with voters this year has come back to how expensive everything has become. Seniors are worried about how they can afford to retire in New Jersey, while new parents are anxious about childcare. Everyone brings up the cost of food!

I think the most direct way to support our families, whether they're putting kids through pre-k or planning their retirement, is to redirect the taxes we're already collecting to services people need. We can expand our social safety net and invest in our schools as centers of community. By putting our money towards the levels of government people interact with every day, we can make sure our families have more money left over each month to navigate a changing economy.

For example, we should increase funding to NJ Transit to cover free student tickets. By allowing every K-12 student in New Jersey to take public transportation to school for free, we save our families hundreds of dollars per year.

We need to abolish country control over our elections. This year, we will have our state's first primary without the county line; nevertheless, county parties still have significant control over ballot design and election mechanics that can drown out community voices. When county parties become too powerful, people lose interest. Turnout drops because people think their vote won't change the outcome.

I am lucky to be running alongside three highly qualified candidates who each want to make life better for our community. It should be up to the voters - not the county party - to decide who moves through the primary.

As a first step, we need to outlaw the bracketing system that allows candidates to run together. Voters should hear from each candidate, learning what reforms each person would make, and have the opportunity to choose two that most closely align with their beliefs. The bracketing system stifles these conversations by making it all but impossible for a non-incumbent to win.

New Jersey's economy is strong when our families are financially secure. The Legislature needs to focus on ways to help keep more money in the hands of working families.

A great example of this is universal pre-k. Many families spend tens of thousands of dollars on childcare and preschool tuition. Some households build their entire schedules around who can take care of a preschool-aged child who doesn't have a preschool placement. By promising every child a spot, we allow families to save money and even return to work.

Another example is providing fare vouchers for students taking public transit to school. Right now, families are spending thousands a year on transportation. By ensuring that every kid can take the bus or the train to school, we put more money in their family's hands, reduce commuter traffic, and make it easier for parents to plan their work schedules.

Our taxes are supposed to be returned to us through services. It's time we hold the State accountable!

Schools are more than places for kids to learn - they're centers of community. As a teacher, I've seen the power of the school to provide space for our community to celebrate success and to process grief. Quality public education is a human right.

First, we need to guarantee universal pre-k to every family. Studies show that preschool is vital for student success, and families depend on their schools to provide a safe place for kids to learn while their parents earn a living.

Second, we need to expand the Garden State Guarantee to cover all four years of public school tuition. Currently, students are required to attend two years of community college before transferring to a four-year school to qualify for tuition scholarships. We should allow students to continue this path, or to go straight to a four-year university.

Third, we need to pass legislation that mandates that the state fund our schools. During difficult budget years, school funding should not be on the chopping block.

I am deeply disappointed in the lack of action from our Assembly on immigration. One in four of our neighbors was born outside of the United States. Each and every one of them deserves to know that they will be protected by the laws of our State and that the Assembly cares about their safety.

First and foremost, we need to pass the Immigrant Trust Act to guarantee that our families, regardless of immigration status, can participate in our community. This bill was introduced last fall shortly after the election - it is shameful that we haven't made it law.

We also absolutely need to pass legislation to clarify that ICE can not enter our public schools without a judicially signed warrant. Currently, we have very little guidance from the State on what to do if ICE comes knocking on our classroom door. This puts teachers and staff in a terrible position and forces them to do the State's job of writing policy.