Benjie E. Wimberly

Benjie E. Wimberly is a former member of the New Jersey State Senate, representing the 35th Legislative District. A member of the Democratic Party, he has also served in the New Jersey General Assembly and has a background in education and athletics. Wimberly has been involved in local governance and community service, particularly in Paterson, New Jersey, where he has held various leadership roles, including that of a football coach and recreation director.

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 his high school graduation, 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 endeavors in education and public service.

Wimberly's professional career began in the field of education, where he became a teacher. His commitment to youth development extended beyond the classroom as he took on coaching roles in high school football. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Eastside High School in Paterson from 1989 to 1994. Subsequently, he became the head coach of the football team at Paterson Catholic High School from 1995 until the school's closure in 2010. Under his leadership, Paterson Catholic achieved significant success, winning seven state championships and boasting an impressive win-loss record of 70-3 during his final seven years. Notably, he mentored future NFL player Victor Cruz during this time.

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Wimberly has served as the recreation director for the city of Paterson. This role has allowed him to engage with the community and promote recreational activities for residents, further solidifying his commitment to public service and youth engagement.

Legislative service

Wimberly's entry into politics began with his election to the Paterson City Council in 2010. His campaign strategy included mobilizing former students, who volunteered to support his candidacy, particularly appealing to younger voters. This approach mirrored the successful youth engagement strategies used in national elections, such as those employed by Barack Obama in 2008.

In 2011, Wimberly was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly, where he served until 2025. He was reelected in 2013, demonstrating his continued support within the community. During his time in the Assembly, Wimberly was involved in various legislative initiatives, including co-sponsoring Assembly Bill 4454 in 2020. This legislation mandates the inclusion of a curriculum focused on diversity and inclusion for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, reflecting his commitment to educational reform and social equity.

Wimberly briefly considered a run for mayor of Paterson in the 2014 election, indicating his ambition to take on a more significant leadership role within the city. 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. However, he ultimately withdrew from the race.

On January 16, 2025, Wimberly was elected to the New Jersey State Senate to fill the vacancy left by Nellie Pou. His election was marked by a narrow victory over his Assembly running mate, Shavonda E. Sumter, at a special convention. He is set to serve until the winner of a special election in November is certified.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the New Jersey State Senate, Wimberly's policy focus has included education, housing, and budgetary matters. He has been appointed as vice-chair of the Budget Committee for the 2024-2025 Legislative Session, highlighting his involvement in fiscal policy and state budget considerations. Additionally, he serves on the Higher Education and Housing Committees, indicating a broad interest in issues affecting educational institutions and housing availability within the state.

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

In his role as a legislator, Wimberly has sought to address the needs and concerns of his constituents in the 35th District. His background in education and community service informs his legislative priorities, as he aims to enhance the quality of life for residents through effective policy-making and community engagement.

In his personal life, Wimberly is married to Kimberlyn, and together they have four children. His family has been involved in local sports, with his oldest son, Justin, having played high school football at Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey. This connection to athletics continues to influence Wimberly's commitment to youth development and community service.

Overall, Benjie E. Wimberly's career reflects a blend of educational leadership, community service, and political engagement, marking him as a significant figure in New Jersey's legislative landscape.