Benjie E. Wimberly

Benjie E. Wimberly is a former member of the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 35th Legislative District from 2012 to 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, Wimberly has had a multifaceted career as an educator, football coach, and public servant. He has also recently transitioned to the New Jersey Senate, where he continues to serve his constituents.

Early life and career

Benjie E. Wimberly was born on December 1, 1964. He completed his secondary education at Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne, New Jersey. Following high school, Wimberly pursued higher education at Virginia State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. This academic background laid the foundation for his future career in education and public service.

Before entering politics, Wimberly made a significant impact in the field of education as a teacher and football coach. His coaching career began at Eastside High School in Paterson, where he served as an assistant coach from 1989 to 1994. He then took on the role of head coach at Paterson Catholic High School from 1995 until the school closed in 2010. During his tenure, Wimberly achieved notable success, leading the team to seven state championships and mentoring several players, including Victor Cruz, who later achieved fame in the National Football League.

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Wimberly has also served as the recreation director for the city of Paterson. His dual roles in education and recreation have allowed him to connect with the community and foster youth engagement through sports and recreational activities.

Legislative service

Wimberly's political career began in earnest when he was elected to the Paterson City Council in 2010. His campaign garnered significant support from former students, who volunteered to assist him, particularly in reaching out to younger voters. This grassroots approach was reminiscent of the strategies employed by Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential election.

In 2011, Wimberly successfully ran for a seat in the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 35th Legislative District. He was subsequently reelected in 2013, demonstrating his continued support among constituents. Throughout his time in the Assembly, Wimberly was involved in various legislative initiatives and community-focused programs.

In 2020, he co-sponsored Assembly Bill 4454, which mandates the inclusion of diversity and inclusion curricula for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade in New Jersey schools. This legislation reflects Wimberly's commitment to promoting equity and representation in education.

Wimberly briefly considered a run for mayor of Paterson in the 2014 election, highlighting his ambition to take on a larger leadership role within the city. However, he ultimately chose to focus on his legislative responsibilities.

In 2024, following the passing of Congressman Bill Pascrell, Wimberly campaigned to become the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey's 9th congressional district. Despite his efforts, he withdrew from the race before the election.

On January 16, 2025, Wimberly was elected to the New Jersey Senate, filling the vacancy left by Nellie Pou. He won the seat by a narrow margin against his Assembly running mate, Shavonda E. Sumter, at a special convention. This transition marks a new chapter in Wimberly's political career, as he continues to serve the 35th Legislative District.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the New Jersey Legislature, Wimberly has focused on a range of issues pertinent to his constituents in the 35th Legislative District. His legislative priorities have included education, housing, and budgetary matters, reflecting the needs and concerns of the communities he represents.

In the 2024-2025 Legislative Session, Wimberly serves on several committees, including the Budget Committee, where he holds the position of vice-chair, as well as the Higher Education and Housing Committees. These roles allow him to influence policy decisions that directly impact the lives of residents in his district.

The 35th Legislative District, which Wimberly represents, is one of 40 districts in the New Jersey Legislature. Each district is represented by one senator and two assembly members. Alongside Wimberly, the district's representatives for the 2024-2025 session include Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz and Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter, both of whom are also members of the Democratic Party.

Wimberly's commitment to education is evident not only in his legislative work but also in his professional background as a teacher and coach. His experiences in the classroom and on the football field have informed his approach to policy-making, particularly in areas related to youth development and educational equity.

In his personal life, Wimberly is married to Kimberlyn, and together they have four children. His family has been an integral part of his life, with his oldest son, Justin, having played high school football at Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey. This connection to youth sports continues to influence Wimberly's advocacy for programs that support young people in his community.

Overall, Benjie E. Wimberly's career reflects a dedication to public service, education, and community engagement. His transition from the New Jersey General Assembly to the Senate marks a significant milestone in his ongoing commitment to serving the people of the 35th Legislative District.