In an editorial, Jersey City resident Leah Mastrototoro is imploring residents of the 32nd Legislative District to vote for Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez if they value “integrity, experience, and courage.”
At a time when democracy feels more vulnerable than ever, and progress for women increasingly precarious, we must rally behind leaders who have the integrity, experience, and courage to fight for all of us.
In New Jersey’s District 32, that leader is Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez.
Ramirez embodies the very ideals we claim to want in public service. She’s a Latina, a mother, a seasoned attorney, and a lifelong advocate for survivors of sexual assault.
Her work isn’t rooted in slogans or headlines—it’s rooted in service.
In her first term, she championed legislation that protects incarcerated women, supports survivors of abuse, advances financial literacy for students, and addresses public health threats like forever-chemicals.
Her record is clear, her ethics unblemished, and her commitment unwavering.
So it’s deeply concerning that instead of working to expand representation, Katie Brennan—an important voice in the #MeToo movement—is running to unseat Ramirez, rather than join her.
Progress doesn’t come from replacing women who are already doing the work—it comes from growing the bench and building coalitions.
Unfortunately, Brennan has aligned with Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, a man with a revoked New York law license due to ethics violations, in a campaign that pits her against another woman leader rather than alongside one.
This race could have been an opportunity to double the representation of strong women in Trenton.
Instead, it risks sidelining one of the most effective advocates we have. Ramirez has spent her life fighting for women who rarely have a voice in our politics. She deserves not only to keep her seat, but to continue leading the way.
New Jersey doesn’t just need more women in office. We need the right women—those with vision, integrity, and a track record of meaningful change.
Jessica Ramirez is that woman. I’m proud to vote for her, and I hope others in District 32 will do the same.
Leah Mastrototoro
Jersey City resident since 2016
Ramirez is a joke who will cave to the HCDO when it becomes convenient for her.
Ramirez basically did nothing in her term to address the kitchen table issues that affect everyone.
Ramirez hasn’t done the work, her ethics are less than spectacular, and setting up Katie as somehow being “anti-woman” because she’s running against another woman is laughable.