Senator Renee C. Burgess ** represents New Jersey's **28th Legislative District in the State Senate. A lifelong resident of Irvington, she was appointed to the Senate in September 2022 by a special convention of Essex County Democrats, succeeding Ronald L. Rice after his 35-year tenure. She is the first African American State Senator from Irvington and the first State Senator from the township. Burgess serves as Essex County Director of Small Business Development, advocating for entrepreneurship and economic growth. Notable achievements include founding and presiding over the Thurgood Marshall Area Block Association and chairing the Irvington South Ward Democratic Committee. Her current committee assignments include Budget and Appropriations, Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens, Judiciary, Joint Committee on Housing Affordability, and Joint Committee on the Public Schools.

Education and Political Experience

Education: Associate’s Degree in Business from Essex County College; Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Pillar College; Master’s Degree in Public Affairs and Administration from the Metropolitan College of New York. Alumna of St. Leo’s, Essex Catholic Girls High School, and Irvington High School.

Political Experience:

- Appointed New Jersey State Senator, District 28

- Irvington Township Municipal Council Member-At-Large

- Irvington Democratic County Committee, South Ward District Leader

- Irvington School Board Member

- District Leader, Irvington’s South Ward 2

Prior roles include asset manager at CIT Capital, positions at Irvington Housing Authority, and customer service at Merck Pharmaceutical Company. She has volunteered with organizations like Essex County Democratic Women, NAACP, and National Action Network.