New Jersey General Assembly
The New Jersey General Assembly serves as the lower house of the New Jersey Legislature, working alongside the New Jersey Senate to form the state's legislative branch. Established under Article IV of the New Jersey Constitution, the Assembly is responsible for drafting and voting on legislation that impacts the residents of the Garden State.
Operating out of the General Assembly Chamber in the New Jersey State House in Trenton, the body is designed to provide localized representation through a system of legislative districts. Because membership is considered a part-time role, many representatives maintain outside employment while serving their constituents.
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Key Facts
- Total Seats: 80 members.
- Term Length: 2 years.
- Current Leadership: Speaker Craig Coughlin (D).
- Voting System: Plurality block voting.
- Annual Salary: $82,000 (effective 2026).
- Majority Party: Democratic (57 seats).
- Minority Party: Republican (23 seats).
Structure and Membership
Since 1967, the Assembly has maintained a consistent size of 80 members. The state is divided into 40 legislative districts, with two members elected from each district. To ensure fair representation, these districts are managed by the New Jersey Apportionment Commission, maintaining an average population of 232,225 (based on 2020 data) with a maximum deviation of 3.21%.
Eligibility Requirements
To run for a seat in the General Assembly, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Have resided in the state of New Jersey for at least two years.
- Have lived in their specific legislative district for at least one year prior to the election.
- Maintain residency within their district during their term.
Elections and Terms
Members are elected every odd-numbered year in November using a plurality block voting system. The most recent election took place on November 4, 2025, with the next scheduled for November 2, 2027.
Leadership and Authority
The Assembly is led by the Speaker, who is elected by the chamber's membership. The Speaker holds significant power, including setting the legislative schedule, determining which bills are considered, and appointing committee chairmen.
Beyond legislative management, the Speaker holds a critical role in the state's executive continuity. The Speaker is third in the line of succession to the Governor of New Jersey, following the Lieutenant Governor and the President of the New Jersey Senate.
Current Leadership (222nd Legislature)
- Speaker: Craig Coughlin (D) - Serving since January 9, 2018.
- Speaker pro tempore: Annette Quijano (D) - Serving since January 30, 2025.
- Majority Leader: Louis Greenwald (D) - Serving since January 10, 2012.
- Minority Leader: John DiMaio (R) - Serving since January 11, 2022.
Financials and Administration
The cost of maintaining the legislature is a significant part of the state budget. In the 2025 fiscal year, the total cost of the legislature was $127,346,000, with $25,208,000 specifically appropriated to the General Assembly.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Annual Salary (Starting 2026) | $82,000 |
| Annual Staff Salary Allowance | $150,000 |
| Total Assembly Appropriation (FY 2025) | $25,208,000 |
Dual-Office Holding
Historically, New Jersey allowed "double dipping," where legislators could simultaneously hold other government positions. However, a law passed in 2007 banned this practice. A small number of members who held dual offices prior to the ban were "grandfathered" in, allowing them to continue both roles. As of 2025, Gary Schaer remains one of the few members holding a second elective office as the Passaic City Council President.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many members serve in the New Jersey General Assembly?
The Assembly consists of 80 members, with two representatives elected from each of the state's 40 legislative districts.
Who is the current Speaker of the Assembly?
The current Speaker is Craig Coughlin, a Democrat from Woodbridge, who has held the position since January 9, 2018.
How long is the term of office for an Assembly member?
Assembly members serve two-year terms and are elected during odd-numbered years.
What is the salary for a member of the General Assembly?
Beginning in 2026, the base annual salary for members will increase to $82,000.
What happens if the Governor and Lieutenant Governor cannot serve?
The President of the New Jersey Senate is next in line, followed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, who is third in the line of succession.