About Steve
To Steve Sweeney, hard work, public service, and a devotion to one’s community – especially those most vulnerable – aren’t abstract ideas; they are deep convictions.
Born and raised in Camden, and with a background as an ironworker, Steve learned what it means to put in a hard day’s work.
Tough days on the job shaped Steve into the fighter he would become for organized labor, workers' rights, and working families. But he was called to serve New Jerseyans after battling through challenges when his daughter was born with Down Syndrome.
Steve became a champion for people with disabilities and everyone in his community, serving on the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1997 to 2010 and as State Senator from 2002 to 2021.
As Senator, Steve authored New Jersey’s Paid Family Leave program, working to ensure parents have the resources they need to take time with their children – something he values deeply after spending nearly two months in the hospital with his newborn daughter.
Elected Senate President in 2009, Steve delivered property tax relief, pension system reforms, and minimum wage increases to help New Jerseyans make ends meet. He also advanced education reform, including for special-needs students, strengthened law enforcement’s ability to protect children from sex offenders, and sponsored legislation to provide equal pay for women and equal marriage rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
Steve believes New Jersey is worth fighting for. He entered public office over two decades ago to make a difference in the lives of all New Jerseyans, and has a record of delivering results for our families. But the fight isn’t over. That’s why Steve is asking for your support in his campaign for governor.
Steve Sweeney is a dedicated public servant with over 20 years in public office, including over a decade serving all New Jerseyans as president of the New Jersey State Senate.
Steve began his career of public service on the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1997 and was Freeholder Director from 1998 until 2010. As the Freeholder Director, he spearheaded innovative programs, saving taxpayers $30 million.
From 2001 to 2021, Steve represented New Jersey’s third legislative district, which includes parts of Gloucester and Cumberland counties and all of Salem County. He was elected Senate President in 2009 and led the Democratic caucus for over a decade and delivered results for New Jerseyans.
As Senator, Steve fought for working families, fiscal responsibility, and for everyone who, like his daughter, needed a champion in government. He sponsored laws to raise the minimum wage, crafted the Paid Family Leave program, and delivered property tax relief. He also sponsored legislation to establish marriage equality, provide equal pay for women, and to create a “Sexual Assault Bill of Rights” for victims of assault.
Steve’s career of public service has earned him the reputation of a principled leader focused on improving the lives of all New Jerseyans.