Linda Carter

Linda Carter is a Democratic politician currently serving as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 22nd Legislative District. She was appointed to her position in May 2018 following the death of long-serving Assemblyman Jerry Green. Carter has since won a special election to complete Green's term and has been actively involved in various legislative initiatives and community services throughout her political career.

Early life and career

Linda Carter was born in April 1963 and has established her roots in Plainfield, New Jersey. Her early career included a significant tenure in local government, where she demonstrated her commitment to public service. Carter served on the Board of Chosen Freeholders for Union County from January 1, 2011, until January 1, 2017. During her time on the board, she held the position of chairwoman in 2013, showcasing her leadership capabilities within the local government structure.

In addition to her role on the Board of Chosen Freeholders, Carter has held various other positions that reflect her dedication to community service and governance. She served as a commissioner for the Middlesex County Utilities Authority, where she was involved in overseeing essential utilities and infrastructure services. Furthermore, she was a commissioner of the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition, contributing to transportation initiatives in the region. Carter also held the position of at-large councilwoman for the 1st and 4th wards in Plainfield, where she worked directly with constituents to address local issues and improve community welfare.

Carter's political career has been marked by her engagement in various civic activities and her commitment to representing the interests of her constituents. Her extensive experience in local government laid a strong foundation for her subsequent role in the New Jersey General Assembly.

Legislative service

Linda Carter was appointed to the New Jersey General Assembly in May 2018 to fill the vacancy left by the late Jerry Green, who had served in the Assembly for 26 years. Following her appointment, Carter participated in a special election held on November 6, 2018, where she successfully won the right to serve the remainder of Green's term. This election marked a significant milestone in her political career, allowing her to transition from local government to state-level legislation.

As a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, Carter has been involved in various legislative initiatives and has taken on leadership roles within the Assembly. For the 2024-2025 Legislative Session, she has been appointed as the chair of the Higher Education Committee and as the vice-chair of the Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee. These committee assignments reflect her focus on important issues such as education and transportation, which are critical to the constituents of her district and the state as a whole.

Throughout her legislative career, Carter has been the primary sponsor of several bills that have been signed into law. Notable among these is A-4073, which designates a portion of State Highway Route 27 in Union County as "Jerry Green Memorial Highway," honoring her predecessor's legacy. Additionally, she sponsored A-4705, which establishes the New Jersey Food Waste Task Force, aimed at addressing food waste issues within the state. Another significant piece of legislation she sponsored is A-4936, which creates a maternal health care pilot program to evaluate a shared decision-making tool developed by the Department of Health for use in hospitals and birthing centers.

Carter's legislative efforts demonstrate her commitment to addressing a range of issues that affect her constituents and the broader New Jersey community. Her work in the Assembly has positioned her as an active participant in shaping state policy and responding to the needs of the public.

Policy focus and district

Linda Carter represents the 22nd Legislative District in New Jersey, which is comprised of several municipalities, including parts of Union County. Each district in the New Jersey Legislature is represented by one senator and two assembly members, and Carter serves alongside Senator Nicholas Scutari and Assemblyman James J. Kennedy, both of whom are also members of the Democratic Party.

Carter's policy focus encompasses a variety of areas, reflecting the diverse needs of her constituents. Her leadership roles in the Higher Education Committee and the Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee indicate her commitment to improving educational opportunities and transportation infrastructure within the state. These areas are crucial for the economic development and quality of life of residents in her district.

In addition to her committee work, Carter's legislative initiatives highlight her dedication to social issues, particularly in health care and environmental sustainability. Her sponsorship of the maternal health care pilot program underscores her commitment to improving health outcomes for mothers and infants, while her involvement in the Food Waste Task Force reflects her awareness of environmental challenges and the importance of sustainable practices.

Carter's ongoing service in the New Jersey General Assembly allows her to continue advocating for the interests of her constituents in the 22nd District. Her background in local government and her active participation in state-level legislation position her as a significant figure in New Jersey politics, working to address the pressing issues facing her community and the state at large.