Stephen Sweeney
Stephen Sweeney | |
---|---|
![]() Sweeney in 2017 | |
114th President of the New Jersey Senate | |
In office January 12, 2010 – January 11, 2022 | |
Preceded by | Richard Codey |
Succeeded by | Nicholas Scutari |
Majority Leader of the New Jersey Senate | |
In office January 8, 2008 – January 12, 2010 | |
Preceded by | Bernard Kenny |
Succeeded by | Barbara Buono |
Member of the New Jersey Senate from the 3rd district | |
In office January 8, 2002 – January 11, 2022 | |
Preceded by | Raymond Zane |
Succeeded by | Edward Durr |
Member of the Gloucester County, New Jersey Board of Chosen Freeholders | |
In office January 1, 1998 – January 1, 2010 | |
Personal details | |
Born | Camden, New Jersey, U.S. | June 11, 1959
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Patti Sweeney |
Children | 2 |
Website | Senate website Official website |
Stephen M. Sweeney (born June 11, 1959) is an American politician and labor leader who served in the New Jersey Senate from 2002 to 2022, representing the 3rd legislative district. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the 114th President of the New Jersey Senate from 2010 to 2022.
A Union
Early life
Sweeney was born on June 11, 1959, in Camden, New Jersey, and graduated from Pennsauken High School in 1977. He is of Irish ancestry.[5] He joined Ironworkers Local 399 (of Camden, New Jersey) and gained journeyman status on January 1, 1980.
Career
Sweeney serves as general vice president of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers.[6][7]
Gloucester County Commissioner
Sweeney served on the
New Jersey Senate
Sweeney sponsored a 2002 law allowing municipalities and other public entities beginning a construction project to enter into a
Other legislation sponsored by Sweeney and signed into law provides state pensions to surviving family members of police, firefighters and emergency services workers who die in the line of duty,
Sweeney sponsored "Maggie's Law", which establishes driving while seriously fatigued as a form of driver recklessness.
On June 1, 2006, Sweeney and two Assembly Democrats,
Sweeney was selected by the Senate Democratic Caucus to serve as Majority Leader on November 8, 2007.[24]
In December 2016, Sweeney was one of several Catholic elected officials who supported legislation legalizing assisted suicide, saying that state residents should be able to make their own decisions on a topic in which "the church takes positions that are not necessarily mainstream".[25]
Committees
- Joint Budget Oversight[26]
- Budget and Appropriations
- Legislative Services Commission
Senate Presidency
On the afternoon of November 23, 2009, New Jersey Senate Democrats chose Sweeney as State Senate President over the incumbent, former governor Richard Codey. He took office on January 12, 2010.[27] In the absence of the governor and lieutenant governor, Sweeney served as acting governor of New Jersey during the eastern seaboard storm of December 2010.[28]
In January 2010, Sweeney abstained when the New Jersey Senate voted on the question of allowing same-sex couples to marry. The bill was not passed. Sweeney later called his abstention a mistake and said that the issue was a civil rights issue, not a religious issue.
In 2010, Sweeney helped design and pass thirty bills, known collectively as "Back to Work NJ," that aimed to help create jobs and economic growth in New Jersey.
With Republican
Following Governor Christie's use of the
During Christie's tenure as Governor, Sweeney was the lead advocate of legislation to raise taxes on millionaires. Christie vetoed such legislation on five occasions. After Democrat Phil Murphy became Governor, Democrats backed off the legislation, with Sweeney saying, "This state is taxed out. If you know anything about New Jersey, they're just weary of the taxes."[40]
In December 2018, Sweeney led efforts to change the New Jersey constitution so that it entrenched the gerrymandering of New Jersey districts. The efforts were condemned by national Democrats such as former Attorney General Eric Holder, as well as by New Jersey governor Phil Murphy.[41]
Before New Jersey's 2010 creation of the Lieutenant Governor position, Sweeney often served as New Jersey's Acting Governor by virtue of his position as Senate President. As a presiding officer, Sweeney has received protection from the New Jersey State Police's Executive Protection Unit.[42]
2015 recall effort by pro-gun activists
In March 2015, a group of pro-gun activists began pushing for a recall of Sweeney. The organization, known as 'Recall Steve Sweeney', was led by the New Jersey Second Amendment Society which expressed displeasure with Sweeney's record on gun control legislation.[43] The group's first attempt at filing petitions in March was denied by the state for lacking additional certifications; a second attempt began shortly thereafter. For a recall election to occur, the group had to collect valid signatures from 25% of the 3rd district's registered voters, or 34,808 signatures, in 160 days.[43] The threshold was not met by the deadline, thus ending the recall effort for a second time.[citation needed]
Awards and recognition
Sweeney was frequently cited as the most powerful elected Democrat in New Jersey.
Sweeney's awards include the Outstanding State Legislator Award from the NJ Veterans of Foreign Wars[51] and the "Legislator of the Year" Award from the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce (2011).[52]
2025 Gubernatorial Campaign
On December 11, 2023, Sweeney launched his campaign to succeed term-limited Governor Phil Murphy in the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial election. He was the second major candidate to declare for the Democratic Party nomination after Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. Sweeney was previously considered a contender for governor in the 2013 and 2017 elections, ultimately deciding against running on both occasions.[4]
Personal life
Sweeney and his wife, Patti, were married in 1986. They live in West Deptford Township, New Jersey, and have two children.[8]
Electoral history
2021
In 2021, Sweeney was defeated in a massive upset by Edward Durr, a Republican truck driver who had never held elected office. Durr spent less than $2,300 on his campaign,[53][54] while Sweeney spent approximately $305,000.[55]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Edward Durr | 33,761 | 51.7% | |
Democratic | Stephen M. Sweeney (incumbent) | 31,562 | 48.3% | |
Republican gain from Democratic |
2017
Sweeney was widely viewed as a top contender for the
Sweeney won re-election to a sixth term in 2017, defeating Salem County Republican Chairman Fran Grenier in the largest electoral victory of his career (59%–41%).[59] As of 2017, the election was one of the most expensive state legislative races in U.S. history.[60] Due to prior conflicts with Sweeney, the New Jersey Education Association, which typically backs Democratic candidates, controversially endorsed Grenier and spent millions of dollars in attack ads against Sweeney.[61][62][63]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Stephen M. Sweeney (incumbent) | 31,541 | 59 | |
Republican | Fran Grenier | 22,204 | 41 | |
Democratic hold |
2013
In the state's most expensive Senate race of the 2013 cycle, Sweeney defeated Republican attorney Niki Trunk 55%–45%[46][64]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Stephen M. Sweeney (incumbent) | 31,045 | 54.8 | |
Republican | Niki A. Trunk | 25,599 | 45.2 | |
Democratic hold |
2011
Sweeney won re-election to a fourth term defeating Michael Mulligan 56%–44%.[65]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Stephen M. Sweeney (incumbent) | 25,299 | 55.6 | |
Republican | Michael M. Mulligan | 20,197 | 44.4 | |
Democratic hold |
2007
Sweeney won re-election to a third term defeating Mark Cimino 57%–40%.[67]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Stephen M. Sweeney (incumbent) | 29,908 | 59.2 | |
Republican | Mark Cimino | 20,645 | 40.8 | |
Democratic hold |
2003
Sweeney won re-election to a second term defeating Phillip Rhudy 54%–45%.[69]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Stephen M. Sweeney | 29,051 | 54.0 | ![]() | |
Republican | Phillip S. Rhudy | 24,698 | 46.0 | ![]() | |
Total votes | 53,749 | 100.0 |
2001
Then Freeholder Sweeney defeated eight-term Republican
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Stephen M. Sweeney | 29,873 | 51.5 | |
Republican | Raymond J. Zane | 28,138 | 48.5 | |
Total votes | 58,011 | 100.0 |
References
- ^ Friedman, Matt (January 10, 2018). "Will Democratic Legislature be a check on Murphy's liberalism?". Politico.
- ^ "Spending $2,300, GOP newcomer Ed Durr beats top NJ lawmaker". AP NEWS. November 4, 2021. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
- ^ Wildstein, David. "Sweeney Tells Plumbers Union He's Running For Governor". New Jersey Globe. Sea of Reeds Media. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
- ^ a b Wildstein, David (December 11, 2023). "Steve Sweeney joins race for N.J. Governor". New Jersey Globe. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
- ^ "It All Started With Layren", Third Legislative District. Accessed March 18, 2020. "'My grandparents had a finished basement, with a bar, and they’d entertain,' Sweeney says. 'We felt blessed. We got to grow up with our grandparents. You know, I may be Irish, but I was raised Italian.'"
- ^ Senator Sweeney's legislative web page, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed March 14, 2008.
- ^ "Stephen Sweeney". www.ironworkers.org.
- ^ a b Stephen M. Sweeney Biography, Third Legislative District. Accessed March 15, 2013.
- ^ via Associated Press. "N.J. Lawmakers keep double dipping", WPVI-TV, March 4, 2008. Accessed June 4, 2009.
- ^ Saharko, Peter. "STATE SEN. SWEENEY BACKS BILL FOR LABOR", The Press of Atlantic City, February 15, 2002. Accessed January 7, 2012. "The measure would let state, local and county governments set terms of employment beforehand and prohibit strikes and lockouts. Public entities would be able to enter into project labor agreements when completing a public-works project under legislation sponsored by state Sen. Stephen M. Sweeney, D-Cumberland, Salem, Gloucester."
- ^ "A Hotbed of Residential and Commercial Activity", Gloucester County, New Jersey, March 21, 2005. Accessed August 28, 2012.
- ^ Fifield, Adam. "Sweeney joining plant-safety push", The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 2, 2003. Accessed August 28, 2012.
- ^ S-1453, New Jersey Office of Legislative Services, introduced May 13, 2002. Accessed August 28, 2012.
- ^ S-1432, New Jersey Office of Legislative Services, introduced March 26, 2002. Accessed August 28, 2012.
- ^ Saharko, Peter. "STATE LINES / CHANGING FACE OF N.J. LEGISLATURE", The Press of Atlantic City, November 12, 2001. Accessed August 28, 2012. "For Sweeney, transportation and the environment are important issues, but a passion of his involves ensuring police and fire pensions for the spouses of those killed in the line of duty."
- ^ S-1434, New Jersey Office of Legislative Services, introduced March 26, 2002. Accessed August 28, 2012.
- ^ McAleer, Pete. "LAW SAVES AID TO COP WIDOWS", The Press of Atlantic City, September 13, 2003. Accessed August 28, 2012. "It eliminates the remarriage penalty for spouses of state troopers, police, firefighters and emergency responders killed in the line of duty, allowing spouses to continue to collect pension benefits if they remarry. State Sen. Stephen Sweeney and Assemblymen Doug Fisher and John Burzichelli, all D-Camden, Gloucester, sponsored the bill, which had in the Statehouse for a decade."
- ^ SENATE, No. 2507 210th LEGISLATURE Introduced May 15, 2003, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed August 28, 2012. "Provides State-paid health care benefits coverage through SHBP for certain National Guard members called to State active duty for 30 days or more."
- ^ Governor Signs New Laws Enhancing Benefits for Active National Guard Members, Governor of New Jersey, August 1, 2003. Accessed August 28, 2012.
- ^ Senate, Bill No. 1644, State of New Jersey, 210th Legislature, introduced June 13, 2002.
- ^ McDonnell, Carole.Manifesting Maggie's Law, Sleep Review: the Journal for Sleep Specialists. January / February 2004. [dead link]
- ^ Ung, Elisa. "Sweeney to N.J. workers: Cut pay: The senator, a labor leader, said he was angered by union support for an N.J. sales-tax increase", The Philadelphia Inquirer, June 2, 2006. Accessed August 28, 2012. "Democratic State Sen. Stephen M. Sweeney, a major union leader from Gloucester County, shocked state employee unions yesterday by calling on their members to take a 15 percent cut in salaries and benefits.... Sweeney said he was angered by a union flyer that asked legislators to support a proposed increase in the sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent - 'so that,' he said, 'state workers don't have to experience the pain that every taxpayer in the state is going to experience.'"
- ^ Pillets, Jeff. "Furloughed state workers to get all their back pay", The Record, July 11, 2006. Accessed August 28, 2012. "'If I knew they were going to pay everybody like this, I would not have voted for the budget,' said Sen. Stephen M. Sweeney, a Democrat who represents voters in several South Jersey counties."
- ^ "Codey and Sweeney Elected to Lead Senate, New Jersey Senate Democratic press release, November 8, 2007. Accessed on August 28, 2012
- ^ Alex, Patricia. "Catholic lawmakers support assisted suicide despite faith", The Record, December 13, 2016. Accessed July 15, 2019. "'The church takes positions that are not necessarily mainstream. Why not give someone a choice?' Senate President Stephen Sweeney, who is Catholic, said of the proposal, which he has actively supported. He said the measure is about helping the terminally ill have peaceful deaths."
- ^ "Senator Stephen M. Sweeney (D) (Democratic Majority Leader / Conference Chair)". njleg.state.nj.com. Archived from the original on April 11, 2008. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
- ^ Margolin, Josh. "Democrats vote N.J. Sen. Stephen Sweeney in as Senate president", The Star-Ledger, November 23, 2009. Accessed January 7, 2012. "Senate Democrats emerged from a Statehouse meeting room a few minutes ago, saying Sen. Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester) has been voted Senate president, replacing Richard Codey, the Essex County Democrat who long led the Senate's Democratic caucus. Codey left the second-floor caucus room at 2:50 p.m. and made only a brief comment to reporters waiting outside."
- ^ Lisa Fleisher (December 27, 2010). "New Jersey's Acting Governor Juggles Blizzard Aftermath". Wall Street Journal Metropolis. Retrieved December 28, 2010.
- Star Ledger, January 10, 2012. Accessed August 28, 2012. "With his abstention two years ago, Sweeney helped defeat a same-sex marriage bill that came up in the waning days of the lame-duck administration of Gov. Jon Corzine, who had pledged to sign it if the legislature passed it. Since then, Sweeney has said he made a mistake and should have voted for the measure because, he said, it's a matter of civil rights, not a religious issue."
- ^ Senate Dems Announce New Push for Marriage Equality, NJ Senate Democrats' YouTube Channel, January 9, 2012
- ^ "Gov. Christie follows through on promise to veto gay marriage bill" Associated Press, February 18, 2012.
- The Associated Press, January 7, 2011
- ^ Sweeney: updated website will provide info on changing pension reform ideas, Gloucester County Times, June 14, 2011
- ^ NJ governor signs property tax cap bill, Associated Press, July 14, 2010
- Philadelphia Magazine
- ^ Staff. "Telecommunications bill ignites debate", Courier-Post, March 21, 2011. Accessed August 28, 2012.
- ^ Friedman, Matt. "N.J. Senate leader Sweeney won't apologize for his tirade against Gov. Christie", The Star-Ledger, July 5, 2011. Accessed August 28, 2012. "In The Sunday Star-Ledger, Sweeney called Christie, among other things, a 'rotten bastard,' a 'punk' and 'Mr. Potter from It's a Wonderful Life."
- The Star Ledger, July 3, 2011. Accessed August 28, 2012.
- ^ Friedman, Matt. "Sweeney: Gov. Christie 'prayed a lot' and 'got lucky' when Hurricane Sandy hit". nj.com. January 8, 2013. Retrieved January 16, 2013.
- ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved May 24, 2018.
- ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
- ^ "Editorial: Let's hope NJ Transit gets the help it needs in special appropriation bill - NJBIZ". March 12, 2017.
- ^ a b Romalino, Carly Q. (April 5, 2015). "Sweeney: Recall committee can 'bring it on'". Courier-Post. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
- ^ "Democratic State Senator Stephen Sweeney Is Now The Most Powerful Democrat in the State-www.njmonthly.com". December 14, 2009.
- ^ "North Jersey". North Jersey.
- ^ a b Friedman, Matt (November 5, 2013). "Stephen Sweeney maintains N.J. Senate seat in Gloucester County". NJ Advance Media. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
- ^ "The Top 10: 5-1 - NJBIZ". January 25, 2016.
- ^ "PolitickerNJ's 50 Most Powerful Elected Officials: 2014". October 27, 2014.
- ^ "The 2017 Pension Political Power 25: Steve Sweeney". Institutional Investor.
- ^ "Rowan University launches public policy center named for Steve Sweeney". WHYY. Retrieved September 15, 2022.
- ^ State VFW Honors Sweeney, West Deptford Patch, February 12, 2011
- ^ Chamber names 4 lawmakers “Legislators of the Year”, Asbury Park Press, August 24, 2011
- ^ "NJ election results 2021". North Jersey Media Group. Associated Press. November 4, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
- ^ Friedman, Matt (November 4, 2021). "This truck driver just took down New Jersey's most powerful lawmaker". Politico. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
- ^ Catalini, Mike (November 10, 2021). "Durr grapples with new post as Sweeney cites 'red wave'". Associated Press. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
- ^ "2021 New Jersey State Senate General Election Results" (PDF). NJ.gov. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
- ^ "A preview of 2017? Fulop, Sweeney trade words over Jersey City pension bill". January 7, 2014.
- McClatchy. Associated Press. October 6, 2016. Retrieved October 6, 2016.
- ^ "2017-official-general-election-results-state-senate.pdf" (PDF). New Jersey Secretary of State. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
- ^ Seidman, Andrew. "Steve Sweeney reelection in N.J. may be most expensive state legislative campaign ever". inquirer.com.
- ^ "Democrats question NJEA's crusade against Sweeney". Politico.
- ^ "Dumbest move of 2017: The NJEA's Trump romance". October 22, 2017.
- ^ King, Kate (October 24, 2017). "N.J. Teachers Union Seeks State Senate President Ouster, Backs Republican". Wall Street Journal – via wsj.com.
- ^ "Official List Candidates for State Senate For GENERAL ELECTION 11/05/2015 Election" (PDF). Secretary of State of New Jersey. December 4, 2013. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
- New Jersey Department of State, December 14, 2011. Accessed January 7, 2012.
- New Jersey Department of State, December 14, 2011. Accessed January 7, 2012.
- New Jersey Department of State, December 3, 2007. Accessed June 21, 2012.
- New Jersey Department of State, December 3, 2007. Accessed June 21, 2012.
- New Jersey Department of State, December 2, 2003. Accessed August 27, 2012.
- New Jersey Department of State. Accessed August 27, 2012.
- ^ Smith, Joseph P. "Zane paid a price for defying the party", Asbury Park Press, September 24, 2003. Accessed May 23, 2008. "The Zane-Sweeney race in the 3rd District cost $2.4 million, making it the most expensive legislative race in state history. Freeholder Sweeney spent $1.8 million; Zane, $624,000, state election records show."
- ^ "Camden Co. Senate Too Close To Call", WCAU, 2003. Accessed August 28, 2012. "Even still, Democrat Fred Madden -- who spent nearly $3 million, almost twice the record for a legislative race -- claimed victory over Republican George Geist."
- ^ Gurney, Kaitlin; and Ruderman, Wendy. "Madden's $3 million race sets N.J. mark Democrats are pouring money into his bid to unseat Sen. George Geist. Observers are taken aback.", The Philadelphia Inquirer, October 30, 2003. Accessed August 28, 2012. "Democrat Fred Madden has amassed $3.3 million - more than any other legislative candidate in New Jersey history - in his quest to go from career state trooper to state senator.... Madden's campaign has shattered the $1.8 million state fund-raising record set in 2001 by another South Jersey Democrat, State Sen. Stephen Sweeney."
External links
- Political website
- Senator Sweeney's legislative web page, New Jersey Legislature
- New Jersey Legislature financial disclosure forms
- New Jersey Senate Democrats Website Biography
- Vote Smart biography
- Appearances on C-SPAN