Aura K. Dunn is a Republican Assembly Member representing New Jersey's 25th Legislative District, which includes parts of Morris and Somerset counties. Born on November 15, 1971, she was first selected to the New Jersey General Assembly in November 2019, won a special election in February 2020 with a record-breaking over 64,000 votes, and has since secured reelection, serving her fifth year as of 2025. She holds the position of Assistant Republican Whip since 2022 and is recognized as an effective legislator focused on children, families, parental rights, and problem-solving.

Notable achievements include her work on the federal Clery Act during her Capitol Hill tenure, requiring colleges to report on-campus crime statistics. She serves on the Assembly Budget and Children, Families & Food Security Committees, is Co-Chair of the Legislative Disability Caucus, and holds appointments to the Human Relations Council and Women’s Re-entry Commission. Dunn is a board member of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation, previously served on boards for Morris Habitat for Humanity and Morris County Mental Health Addictions Services, and volunteers as a JBWS-certified domestic violence crisis responder. Her family hosts a New York City child annually through the Fresh Air Fund since 2010. Recent awards include the 2025 Autumn Auction for Hope Honoree from JBWS, New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research Legislative Award, Pillar Care Leader in Advocacy Award, Domestic Shelters' Purple Ribbon Award, and Arc of Morris Legislator of the Year for Disability Rights.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in sociology from the State University of New York at Buffalo; master’s degree in public administration from George Washington University; certificate in mediation.
• Political Experience: Prior to the Assembly, Dunn had a 25-30 year career in government and public affairs. She served as District Director for U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen from 2016-2019; budget analyst on education policy for the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee ; policy advisor for the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee; and lobbyist for America’s Public Television Stations, including Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, advocating before Congress and the White House.