Ellen Park

Ellen J. Park was born on March 6, 1972, and is an American lawyer and Democratic Party politician representing New Jersey's 37th legislative district. Born in South Korea, she immigrated to the United States as a child and was raised in the New York City neighborhoods of Sunnyside and Flushing. In 2021, she made history as the first Korean American woman elected to the New Jersey Legislature.

Education

Park earned her undergraduate degree from New York University, where she majored in Political Science. She continued her legal education at Hofstra University Maurice A. Deane School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor degree.

Political Experience

Park's public service began in 2016 when she was elected to the Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey Borough Council. She was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in the November 2021 general election, representing the 37th legislative district alongside running mate Senator Gordon M. Johnson and fellow assemblywoman Shama Haider.

Currently serving in the General Assembly since 2022, Park holds several significant positions within the legislature. She chairs the Assembly Committee on Judiciary and serves as Vice Chair of the Assembly Committee on Budget. As of 2026, she holds the position of Deputy Speaker and Parliamentarian.