Tim Eustace

Tim Eustace is a former American politician and chiropractor who served as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 38th Legislative District from 2012 to 2018. A member of the Democratic Party, Eustace made history as one of the first openly gay individuals elected to the New Jersey Legislature as a non-incumbent. His political career is marked by a commitment to public service, environmental advocacy, and community engagement, reflecting his dedication to the constituents of his district.

Early life and career

Tim Eustace was born on December 7, 1956, in Passaic, New Jersey. He grew up in a region that would later become significant in his political career. Eustace attended Blair Academy, a private preparatory school located in Blairstown, New Jersey, where he graduated in 1974. His time at Blair Academy was characterized by challenges, particularly related to commuting from the school back to his home in Bergen County using public transportation. This experience may have contributed to his understanding of the importance of accessible public services.

After completing high school, Eustace pursued higher education at Ramapo College in Mahwah, New Jersey, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology in 1978. His academic background laid a foundation for his later work in healthcare and community service. Following his undergraduate studies, Eustace attended the Pennsylvania College of Chiropractic, where he earned his doctorate in chiropractic medicine in 1985. Upon completing his education, he became a licensed chiropractor, establishing a professional career that would span several decades.

In addition to his work as a chiropractor, Eustace was actively involved in his local community. He served as president of the Maywood Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the local Rotary Club, organizations that focus on community service and business development. Eustace is openly gay and was in a long-term relationship with his partner, Kevin Williams, who was the director of the Maywood Rotary Kenya Project. The couple raised two children together, becoming one of the first gay couples to adopt children in New Jersey. Their partnership lasted for 34 years until Williams' death in June 2015, marking a significant personal loss for Eustace.

Legislative service

Eustace's political career began at the local level, where he served on the borough council of Maywood for a decade, with terms that spanned from 1995 to 1997 and again from 2001 to 2008. His leadership experience included serving as borough council president from 2005 to 2008 and as mayor of Maywood from 2008 to 2012. His tenure in local government provided him with valuable insights into the workings of public administration and the needs of his community.

In 2011, Eustace was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly, marking a significant milestone in his political career. His election followed the redistricting of the legislative map, and he became the first openly gay person elected to the New Jersey Legislature as a non-incumbent. This achievement was notable not only for Eustace personally but also for the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in state politics. His campaign received support from the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which aims to promote LGBTQ+ candidates for public office.

Eustace's initial term in the Assembly lasted from 2012 to 2018, during which he was re-elected in 2013. His re-election campaign was highly competitive, with both major political parties targeting the district. The campaign was one of the most expensive in New Jersey's history, with a total expenditure of $5.8 million for the three legislative seats in the district. Eustace narrowly secured his position after a recount confirmed that he had won by a margin of 35 votes against his Republican opponent, Joseph Scarpa. The election drew significant voter turnout, with approximately 52,000 individuals casting their ballots.

During his time in the Assembly, Eustace served on several important committees, including the Regulatory Oversight Committee, where he held the position of Vice-Chair, the Health and Senior Services Committee, and the State and Local Government Committee. His involvement in these committees allowed him to influence legislation on various issues, particularly those affecting public health and local governance.

Policy focus and district

Eustace's legislative priorities reflected his commitment to environmental issues and public health. He emerged as a vocal advocate for the protection of the environment and the quality of public drinking water. His efforts in this area were recognized when he received a 114% score from Clean Water Action's environmental scorecard, the highest rating in the state. This recognition underscored his dedication to environmental advocacy and his efforts to promote sustainable practices within his district and beyond.

In December 2017, Eustace announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at establishing clean water as an inalienable right for all citizens of New Jersey. This initiative highlighted his commitment to ensuring that all residents have access to safe and clean drinking water, a fundamental public health concern. His focus on environmental issues resonated with many constituents, particularly those concerned about the impact of pollution and climate change on their communities.

Throughout his legislative career, Eustace worked to address the needs and concerns of the 38th Legislative District, which encompasses several municipalities in Bergen County. His background as a chiropractor and his experience in local government informed his approach to policy-making, allowing him to advocate effectively for healthcare and community services. Eustace's tenure in the Assembly was characterized by a focus on collaboration and engagement with constituents, reflecting his belief in the importance of responsive governance.

Eustace's legacy as a public servant is marked by his commitment to community service, advocacy for marginalized groups, and dedication to environmental protection. His role as one of the first openly gay legislators in New Jersey serves as a significant milestone in the state's political history, contributing to the ongoing conversation about representation and inclusivity in government. After completing his final term in 2018, Eustace left a lasting impact on his district and the broader legislative landscape of New Jersey.