Nellie was born and raised in a welcoming blue collar family in Paterson. Nellie’s father was a worker for the City of Paterson, and her mother was a homemaker and the rock of the family who always set an extra seat at the table for family and guests. While her parents worked hard to make ends meet, they instilled in Nellie and her siblings a strong work ethic and a commitment to community and public service that guides her to this day.

Nellie attended Paterson public schools and later attended Kean University (formerly Kean College of New Jersey), before returning to Paterson where she began her career in public service. Nellie served in various key roles for the City of Paterson, including Director of Human Services and Business Administrator. In 1997, she made history as the first Latina elected to represent the 35th Legislative District in the State Assembly. In 2012, she was elected to the New Jersey State Senate, where she served in several leadership positions, including as Senate Majority Caucus Chair.

Throughout her career, Nellie has been committed to improving the lives of New Jerseyans. From fighting for better schools for our kids to more affordable health care, to criminal justice reform – Nellie has been at the forefront of some of New Jersey’s and America’s toughest fights.

As a mother and grandmother, Nellie knows New Jersey families are struggling with a high cost of living and is committed to bringing down prices. In Congress, Nellie is also standing up for seniors and Social Security and Medicare, she is committed to building more affordable housing, she will always support funding for our police and firefighters, and is an unshakeable voice on behalf of democracy in America and across the world.

Nellie has dedicated her entire life to the community that raised her, and in Congress she will never forget where she comes from.