Assembly Member Al Abdelaziz

Alaa "Al" Abdelaziz is a Democratic member of the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 35th Legislative District, which encompasses municipalities in Bergen and Passaic counties including Elmwood Park, Garfield, Haledon, North Haledon, Paterson, and Prospect Park. He assumed office on January 23, 2025.

Abdelaziz made history as the first Palestinian American to serve in the New Jersey General Assembly and the first Palestinian American elected to local office in Paterson. He is fluent in both English and Arabic and is known as a passionate advocate for inclusivity and empowerment.

Education

Abdelaziz holds a Bachelor of Science from William Paterson University and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the University of Scranton. His strong educational background has informed his career in both education and public service.

Political Experience

Local Government: Abdelaziz served six years on the Paterson City Council representing the Sixth Ward, where he championed community development and advocated for constituent needs. He also served as co-chair of the Paterson Municipal Democratic Committee for over a decade, fostering civic engagement and promoting democratic values.

Professional Background: Before his election to the Assembly, Abdelaziz worked as an Assistant Principal at Passaic County Technical Institute, where he focused on curriculum development, program evaluation, and community engagement.

Legislative Work: In the Assembly, Abdelaziz serves on several committees including Education, Higher Education, Housing, Budget, and Health, and serves as vice chair of the Regulated Professions Committee. Former Governor Phil Murphy signed multiple bills he sponsored into law, including legislation requiring the attorney general to maintain and review guidelines for bias investigations.