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. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Since 1998, she has served in the New Jersey State Senate. She represents the 15th Legislative District.
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Shirley Turner's Early Life
Shirley Turner was born in Dover, New Jersey. She finished Dover High School in 1960. She went to Trenton State College, which is now called The College of New Jersey. There, she earned a degree in Education. Later, she received a master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from Rider College. She also studied education at Rutgers University.
Turner lives in Lawrenceville, which is part of Lawrence Township. Before working in state politics, she was on the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders. She served there from 1983 to 1986. She was also the Vice President of the Freeholders. Before joining the State Senate, Turner worked in the General Assembly. This is New Jersey's lower house of government. She was an Assembly member from 1994 to 1998.
Serving in the New Jersey Senate
In the 1997 election, Shirley Turner won against Dick LaRossa. He was a Republican Senator. This made her the only Republican Senator to lose his seat that year. Turner was the Senate President Pro Tempore from 2004 to 2010. This is an important leadership role in the Senate.
She works on several important committees in the Senate. She is the Chair of the Education Committee. She is also a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Senate Committees and Roles
For the 2024—2025 Legislative Session, Senator Turner is on these committees:
- Education (as vice-chair)
- Economic Growth (as vice-chair)
- State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation
Representing District 15
New Jersey has 40 legislative districts. Each district has one representative in the New Jersey Senate. It also has two members in the New Jersey General Assembly. For the 2024—2025 Legislative Session, the representatives for the 15th District are:
- Senator Shirley Turner (D)
- Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D)
- Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli (D)
