Holly Schepisi

Holly T. Schepisi is a former American politician and attorney who served as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly and later as a State Senator for the 39th Legislative District. A member of the Republican Party, Schepisi's political career spans several years, during which she held various leadership roles and focused on a range of legislative issues. She was born on December 20, 1971, and has been active in public service and law throughout her career.

Early life and career

Holly Schepisi was born in 1971 to John A. Schepisi, a lawyer and former chairman of the Bergen County Republican Organization. This background likely influenced her early interest in politics and public service. Schepisi pursued higher education at The Catholic University of America, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in politics and psychology in 1993. Following her undergraduate studies, she attended Fordham University School of Law, obtaining her Juris Doctor in 1997.

During her time in college, Schepisi gained practical experience in the political arena. She worked at the 1992 Republican National Convention and completed internships with various organizations, including the Organization of American States, Congresswoman Marge Roukema, and a member of the British Parliament. These experiences provided her with a foundation in both legal and political processes.

In 2007, Schepisi began her legal career in public service as the Township Attorney for River Vale, a position she held until 2011. In addition to this role, she served as a public defender for Oakland from 2012 to 2014 and held positions as an alternate prosecutor for Old Tappan and Westwood from 2002 to 2011. Her legal background and experience in local government contributed to her understanding of the legislative process and the needs of her constituents.

Schepisi resides in River Vale, New Jersey, with her husband, Paul Garfinkel, and their two children. In March 2015, she experienced a significant health challenge when she suffered a brain aneurysm. Following surgery, she made a full recovery by the summer of that year, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.

Legislative service

Holly Schepisi's legislative career began in January 2012 when she was sworn in as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly. Her entry into the Assembly followed the retirement of Charlotte Vandervalk, who represented the 39th district. Schepisi was selected by the Bergen County Republican Organization to fill Vandervalk's position on the ballot, and she successfully won the general election alongside her running mate, Bob Schroeder.

During her time in the Assembly, Schepisi was involved in various legislative initiatives and held leadership roles within the Republican caucus. She served as the Assistant Minority Leader for two years before being appointed Deputy Minority Leader in January 2020. Her leadership positions allowed her to influence party strategy and legislative priorities.

Throughout her tenure, Schepisi was involved in several notable legislative efforts. In 2014, she introduced a bill aimed at modifying vaccination requirements for school children, which sparked discussions on public health and parental rights. Although the bill did not become law, it highlighted her engagement with contentious issues in the public sphere.

In 2017, Schepisi organized public hearings in Paramus to discuss mandated affordable housing under the Mount Laurel Doctrine. These hearings brought together local mayors and civic leaders to address housing challenges in the district, reflecting her commitment to community engagement and collaboration.

Schepisi's legislative work also included calls for investigations into state government practices. In October 2018, she joined several Republican colleagues in urging an investigation into the hiring practices of Governor Phil Murphy, indicating her active role in oversight and accountability within the state government.

In March 2021, Schepisi transitioned from the Assembly to the New Jersey State Senate, succeeding the late Senator Gerald Cardinale. She was sworn in on March 25, 2021, marking a new chapter in her political career.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the New Jersey Legislature, Holly Schepisi represented the 39th Legislative District, which encompasses parts of Bergen County. The district is known for its diverse communities and suburban character, influencing the legislative priorities of its representatives. Schepisi's policy focus included issues related to health care, housing, and public safety, reflecting the concerns of her constituents.

In her role as Deputy Minority Leader, Schepisi worked on various committees, including those focused on Community and Urban Affairs, as well as Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens. These committee assignments allowed her to engage with critical issues affecting residents, particularly in areas related to urban development and health care access.

Throughout her legislative career, Schepisi participated in multiple electoral campaigns, demonstrating her ability to connect with voters and address their concerns. In the 2019 election, she and her running mate secured re-election in a competitive race, highlighting her continued support within the district. Her electoral history reflects a pattern of successful campaigns, even in challenging political climates.

Overall, Holly Schepisi's legislative service has been marked by her commitment to her constituents and her engagement with a range of policy issues. Her background in law and local government has informed her approach to legislation, and her leadership roles within the Republican Party have positioned her as a prominent figure in New Jersey politics. As she continues her career, her experiences in the Assembly and Senate will likely influence her future endeavors in public service.