Nilsa Cruz-Pérez is a Democratic State Senator representing New Jersey's 5th Legislative District. Born on January 21, 1961, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, she is the first Hispanic woman to serve as a state legislator in New Jersey history. She was appointed to the Senate in December 2014 to fill a vacancy, won a special election in 2015, and has served continuously since. Prior to the Senate, she served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1995 to 2010, holding leadership roles including Deputy Majority Leader ** and *Assistant Majority Leader *. Notable achievements include her military service as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army , honorable discharge, and current positions such as **Chair of the Senate Economic Growth Committee, Vice Chair of the Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee, and member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and Joint Committee on Housing Affordability. She also serves as Vice Chair of the New Jersey State Democratic Committee and on boards including Rutgers University Board of Directors and South Jersey Eye Center.

Education and Political Experience

Education:

- BA in Political Science, University of Puerto Rico.

- Additional studies at U.S. Quartermaster School, Big Bend Community College, Temple University Overseas Division, and University of Maryland Overseas Division .

Political Experience:

- Senator, New Jersey State Senate, District 5 .

- Assembly Member, New Jersey State General Assembly .

- Democratic Vice Chair, New Jersey Congressional Reapportionment Commission .

- Member, New Jersey Legislative Apportionment Commission .

- Professional roles: Director of Constituent Services and Hispanic Affairs for Camden County; Community Development Specialist, Camden County Improvement Authority ; Executive Assistant to Camden Mayor and Cooper’s Ferry Development Association vice president.

- Early involvement: Worked for Puerto Rico's Popular Democratic Party; member of Camden City and County Democratic Committees.