Meet N.J.'s newest Assembly member

Former Trenton Councilwoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson.(City of Trenton)

A two-term Trenton councilwoman is now the newest lawmaker serving in the Statehouse across town.

Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, a Democrat, was sworn in Thursday to fill the state Assembly seat vacated by Elizabeth Muoio, whom new Gov. Phil Murphy has nominated to become the next state treasurer. 

Reynolds-Jackson will represent the state's 15th legislative district -- which includes parts of Hunterdon and Mercer counties, including Trenton and some of its suburbs -- in the Assembly, the lower house of the Legislature.

Muoio held the seat since 2015. She resigned to serve as treasurer, though she has yet to be confirmed.

Because Muoio is a Democrat, the party's committee members from those counties were tasked with appointing a replacement. They gathered last week and chose Reynolds-Jackson over Mercer County Freeholder Anthony Verrelli and West Windsor Councilwoman Ayesha Krishnan.

She will serve until November, when there will be a special election for the final year of Muoio's term.

Reynolds-Jackson has been a councilwoman in New Jersey's capital city since 2010, and she said Thursday that will help her in the Assembly.

Her goals, she said, are to help lower property taxes, fully fund all schools, and improve affordable housing.

"I know the challenges facing our state and its communities," Reynolds-Jackson said. "I plan to bring fresh and creative approaches to the issues that impact urban, suburban and rural New Jersey, and I'm excited to listen to and learn from constituents, colleagues, advocates and all the voices that contribute to our democracy."

Reynolds-Jackson is a graduate of Trenton Central High School and has a bachelor's degree in sociology from Trenton State College -- now the College of New Jersey -- and a master's degree in administration from Central Michigan University.

She had to resign from the Trenton council to serve in the Assembly because state law bans dual office-holding.

She also had to resign from the $92,000-a-year job she has long held as an employee of the state Department of Community Affairs. New Jersey law prohibits lawmakers from holding state jobs.

But Reynold-Jackson landed a new $94,000-a-year job as a Mercer County employee, according to a report by The Trentonian. Lawmakers are allowed to work for local or country governments.

Members of the Assembly make $49,000 a year.

Reynolds-Jackson is one of a few people who have been appointed to the Assembly in recent weeks to replace members who have departed to serve in Murphy's cabinet.

Former Essex County Freeholder Director Britnee Timberlake replaced Sheila Oliver, who is now lieutenant governor.

Former Passaic school board member Clinton Calabrese replaced Marlene Caride, whom Murphy nominated to serve as commissioner of the state Department of Banking and Insurance.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.