Verlina Reynolds-Jackson is a Democratic Assemblywoman representing New Jersey's 15th Legislative District, which includes parts of Mercer and Hunterdon Counties such as Trenton, Ewing, Hopewell, Lawrence, and West Windsor. A lifelong Trentonian and product of the Trenton public school system, she began her public service career as a social worker before becoming the first African American woman elected as East Ward Councilwoman and Council Vice-President in Trenton, serving 7½ years on City Council. Elected to the New Jersey Assembly in 2018 to fill a vacancy, she is currently in her fourth term, focusing on equity, social justice, education, economic development, and constituent services. Notable achievements include sponsoring the Heritage Trail bill signed by Governor Murphy, raising the minimum wage to $15.92, and the StayNJ program for seniors. She resides in Trenton with her husband, Lorenzo Jackson, and teaches Public Policy at Saint Peter’s University.

Education and Political Experience

Education:

- B.A. in Sociology from The College of New Jersey .

- M.S. in Administration from Central Michigan University.

- Certified Municipal Finance Officer from Rutgers University.

- Additional training from the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority and Rutgers University.

Political Experience and Positions:

- Assembly Constituent Outreach Chair.

- Co-Chair, Joint Committee on Public Schools.

- Vice-Chairwoman, Assembly Appropriations Committee.

- Member: Assembly Budget Committee, Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee, Joint Committee on Economic Justice and Equal Employment.

- Commissioner: State of New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, Amistad Commission.

- Vice Chair, New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus.

- Affiliations: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; YWCA of Princeton Board; United Way of Greater Mercer County Board; others.