Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Pérez
Sen. Nilsa Cruz Pérez (NJ)
Senator Nilsa Cruz Pérez was born and raised in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. She studied at the University of Puerto Rico, majoring in Political Science, while working for the Popular Democratic Party.
In 1981, she joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Mainz Military Community in Germany. While serving, she furthered her education by studying at the U.S. Quartermaster School, Big Bend Community College, Temple University and the University of Maryland (overseas division). In 1987, she was honorably discharged from the military.
In February of 1995, Senator Cruz Pérez was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly, serving from 1995 until 2010. Appointed to fill an unexpired term, she went on to be elected as the first Hispanic woman State Legislator in New Jersey’s history.
On December 15, 2014, shewas sworn in as State Senator for New Jersey’s Fifth Legislative District. Senator Cruz Pérez serves as the Chair to the Senate Economic Growth Committee, Vice-Chair of the State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation and sits on the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. She is also a member of the Joint Committee on Affordable Housing.