Benjie E. Wimberly

Benjie E. Wimberly was born on December 1, 1964, in Paterson, New Jersey, where he has remained a lifelong resident. He is a Democratic Party politician currently serving as a member of the New Jersey Senate representing the 35th Legislative District since 2025.

Wimberly is a dedicated educator who has spent 36 years as a classroom special education teacher. Beyond his teaching career, he has served as the Director of the Paterson Division of Recreation and as a mentor and coach for varsity baseball and football teams. He served as the head football coach at both Paterson Catholic High School and Hackensack High School, achieving multiple State and League Championship victories with these teams.

Wimberly is married to Kimberlynn and has four children. He also serves on the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association .

Education

Wimberly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Virginia State University and earned his Teaching Certification from William Paterson University.

Political Experience

Before his election to the State Senate, Wimberly represented the 35th Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2012 to 2025. During his assembly tenure, he served as Speaker Pro Tempore and held leadership positions including Vice Chair of the Budget Committee and Chair of the Assembly Housing Committee. He also served as Co-Chair of the Joint Committee of Economic Justice and Equal Employment.

Prior to his state legislative service, Wimberly served on the Paterson City Council for two years. He was elected to the State Senate at a special convention in January 2025 and currently serves on the Senate Committee on Community and Urban Affairs.