Shavonda E. Sumter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shavonda Sumter
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| Member of the New Jersey General Assembly from the 35th district |
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| Assumed office January 10, 2012 Serving with Al Abdelaziz
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| Born | January 19, 1974 Paterson, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Kenneth Sumter |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Kean University (BA) Fairleigh Dickinson University (MBA) |
| Website | State Assembly website |
Shavonda E. Sumter, born on January 19, 1974, is a politician from the Democratic Party. She has been a representative for the 35th Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly since January 2012.
In February 2025, Sumter announced that she would not run in the 2025 New Jersey General Assembly election. This means she will not seek re-election for her current position.
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About Shavonda Sumter
Early Life and Education
Shavonda Sumter was born in Paterson, New Jersey. Her parents are Charles and Bonnie Williams. She went to public and private schools in Paterson, Prospect Park, and Haledon.
She graduated from Kean University in 1996. There, she earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in political science. Later, she received a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree. This advanced degree was in health care administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Working in Healthcare
Sumter has a background in health services. She currently works as a director. Her role is in behavioral health services. She works at Mountainside Medical Center in Glen Ridge.
Getting Involved in Politics
Shavonda Sumter has been active in politics for many years. She has served on the New Jersey Democratic State Committee since 2008. This committee helps guide the Democratic Party in New Jersey.
In 2008, she was part of the Electoral College. This group officially votes for the President and Vice President. She cast her vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. In 2010, she managed the campaign for Jeffery Jones. He successfully became the Mayor of Paterson.
Shavonda Sumter lives in North Haledon. She is married to Kenneth Sumter. They have two children, Tyler and Kenneth Jr.
Serving in the New Jersey Assembly
How She Was Elected
In the 2011 New Jersey General Assembly election, two seats were open. This was in the 35th District. The previous representatives, Nellie Pou and Elease Evans, were not running again.
Shavonda Sumter and her running mate, Benjie E. Wimberly, ran for these seats. They won against their Republican opponents. Sumter officially took office on January 10, 2012.
Important Roles and Committees
During her time in the Assembly, Sumter held important leadership roles. She was the Majority Conference Leader from 2015 to 2019. Before that, she served as Deputy Speaker from 2014 to 2015.
For the 2024—2025 Legislative Session, she has several committee assignments:
- Community Development and Women's Affairs (as chair)
- Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste (as vice-chair)
- Labor
Representing District 35
The New Jersey Legislature has 40 districts. Each district has one State Senator and two members in the General Assembly. For the 2024—2025 Legislative Session, the representatives from the 35th District are:
- Senator Benjie Wimberly (Democrat)
- Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz (Democrat)
- Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter (Democrat)
