Shirley Turner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shirley Turner
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| President pro tempore of the New Jersey Senate | |
| Assumed office January 9, 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Sandra Bolden Cunningham |
| In office January 8, 2002 – January 12, 2010 Serving with Joseph A. Palaia (2002–2004)
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| Preceded by | Joseph A. Palaia |
| Succeeded by | Nia Gill |
| Member of the New Jersey Senate from the 15th district |
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| Assumed office January 13, 1998 |
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| Preceded by | Dick LaRossa |
| Member of the New Jersey General Assembly from the 15th district |
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| In office January 11, 1994 – January 13, 1998 |
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| Preceded by | John W. Hartmann John Watson |
| Succeeded by | Bonnie Watson Coleman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 3, 1941 Dover, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Donald Turner (died 2024) |
| Education | College of New Jersey (BA) Rider University (MA) Rutgers University–New Brunswick |
Shirley Kersey Turner (born July 3, 1941) is an American politician from the Democratic Party. She has been serving in the New Jersey State Senate since 1998. In this role, she represents the 15th Legislative District.
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Early Life and Education
Shirley Turner was born in Dover, New Jersey, on July 3, 1941. She finished high school at Dover High School in 1960.
After high school, she went to college. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Education from Trenton State College. This school is now known as The College of New Jersey. Later, she received a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Guidance and Counseling from Rider College. She also continued her studies in education at Rutgers University.
Early Career in Public Service
Before becoming a state politician, Shirley Turner served her local community. From 1983 to 1986, she was a member of the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders. During this time, she even served as the Vice President of the Freeholders.
She lives in the Lawrenceville area of Lawrence Township. Before joining the State Senate, she served in New Jersey's lower house, called the General Assembly. She was an Assemblywoman from 1994 to 1998.
Serving in the New Jersey Senate
Shirley Turner was first elected to the New Jersey Senate in 1997. She won against the Republican Senator at the time, Dick LaRossa. This made her the only Republican Senator to lose their seat that year.
She has held an important leadership role called Senate President Pro Tempore. She served in this position from 2004 to 2010. In the Senate, she works on important issues for the state. She is the Chair of the Education Committee, which focuses on schools and learning. She is also a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, which deals with how the state spends its money. She has voted on many important laws, sometimes changing her mind on issues as time passed.
Senate Committees
For the 2024—2025 Legislative Session, Senator Turner is part of several key committees:
- Education (as vice-chair)
- Economic Growth (as vice-chair)
- State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation
Understanding Legislative Districts
New Jersey's Legislature has 40 districts. Each district has one representative in the New Jersey Senate and two members in the New Jersey General Assembly. Shirley Turner represents the 15th District.
The representatives for the 15th District in the 2024—2025 Legislative Session are:
- Senator Shirley Turner (D)
- Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D)
- Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli (D)
