Benjie Wimberly

Benjie Wimberly is an American educator and politician affiliated with the Democratic Party, currently serving as a member of the New Jersey State Senate representing the 35th district. He has a background in education and athletics, having worked as a teacher and a football coach, and has held various positions in local government, including serving on the Paterson City Council. Wimberly's legislative career includes a significant tenure in the New Jersey General Assembly before his election to the Senate in 2025.

Early life and career

Benjie Wimberly was born on December 1, 1964. He completed his secondary education at Passaic County Technical Institute located in Wayne, New Jersey. Following high school, he 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 roles in education and public service.

Wimberly's career in education began in the realm of athletics, where he made a name for himself as a football coach. His coaching career started as an assistant coach at Eastside High School in Paterson 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 at Paterson Catholic, Wimberly achieved notable success, leading the team to seven state championships and mentoring several players, including Victor Cruz, who later gained fame in the National Football League. After the closure of Paterson Catholic, Wimberly became the head coach of the football team at Hackensack High School in 2012, continuing his commitment to youth sports and education.

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Wimberly has served as the recreation director for the city of Paterson, further demonstrating his dedication to community service and youth engagement. His work in recreation and coaching has been integral to his connection with the local community, allowing him to influence and inspire young people in various capacities.

Legislative service

Wimberly's entry into politics began with his election to the Paterson City Council in 2010. His campaign was notable for its outreach to younger voters, drawing on strategies reminiscent of Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. Following his successful city council tenure, Wimberly was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 2011, where he served until 2025. During his time in the Assembly, he was reelected in 2013, indicating a sustained level of support from his constituents.

Throughout his legislative career, Wimberly has been involved in various initiatives and has sponsored significant legislation. One of his notable contributions includes co-sponsoring Assembly Bill 4454 in 2020, which mandates the inclusion of a curriculum focused on diversity and inclusion for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. This legislation reflects his commitment to educational reform and social equity.

In 2024, Wimberly briefly campaigned to succeed Congressman Bill Pascrell in the U.S. House of Representatives for New Jersey's 9th congressional district following Pascrell's passing. 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, winning by a narrow margin at a special convention. His election marked a transition from the Assembly to the Senate, where he continues to serve the interests of his constituents in the 35th district.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the New Jersey State Senate, Wimberly represents the 35th district, which is comprised of diverse communities and has unique needs and challenges. Each district in the New Jersey Legislature is represented by one senator and two assembly members, and Wimberly works alongside Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz and Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter in representing the interests of their constituents.

Wimberly's policy focus includes education, housing, and budgetary matters, as evidenced by his committee assignments for the 2024–2025 legislative session. He serves as the vice-chair of the Budget Committee, which plays a crucial role in determining state funding and financial priorities. Additionally, he is a member of the Higher Education Committee, where he can influence policies affecting colleges and universities, and the Housing Committee, which addresses issues related to housing availability and affordability.

Wimberly's legislative efforts are informed by his background in education and community service, allowing him to advocate for policies that benefit families, students, and local residents. His experience as a coach and recreation director also contributes to his understanding of the importance of youth programs and community engagement in fostering a vibrant and supportive environment for all residents.

In his personal life, Wimberly is married to Kimberlyn, and they have four children. His family life and experiences as a parent further enrich his perspective as a legislator, as he seeks to address the needs and concerns of families in his district. His oldest son, Justin, played high school football at Don Bosco Preparatory High School, highlighting Wimberly's ongoing connection to youth sports and education.

Through his multifaceted career as an educator, coach, and politician, Benjie Wimberly continues to serve his community and advocate for policies that aim to improve the quality of life for residents in New Jersey's 35th district.