Maria Teresa Ruiz is a Democratic politician representing New Jersey's 29th Legislative District in the State Senate since 2008. She serves as Senate Majority Leader since 2022, the first Latina to lead either chamber and the first Puerto Rican elected to the Senate. Notable achievements include championing education equity, expanding early childhood education and free school meals, overhauling teacher tenure laws, sponsoring in-state tuition for undocumented students, and creating the nation's most comprehensive newborn nurse visitation program. She previously held roles as Senate President Pro Tempore and Assistant Majority Leader , chairs the Senate Education Committee in past sessions, and serves on Budget and Appropriations and Legislative Oversight committees.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School; earned a B.A. in English from Drew University . Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow ; Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program graduate.
• Political Experience: Elected in 2007 special election; re-elected multiple times. Vice chair of Essex County Democratic Party; deputy chief of staff to Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. Delegate to Democratic National Conventions .