Vincent Prieto again named Speaker by Assembly Democratic Majority

Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-32) was once again chosen to serve in the powerful position by his allies in the Democratic Assembly Majority today. 

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“I am honored to again receive the support of this ever-stronger Assembly Democratic Majority,” Prieto said in a statement.

“My goals as Speaker have been to advocate for the middle-class and our most vulnerable, create jobs and decent wages, provide a quality education for all, protect our environment, ensure women’s health care, reform government and build a stronger future for our state. Clearly, the voters agree with those Democratic values.”

Prieto was first elected as Assembly Speaker in November 2013 and will now have the title through 2017. Assembly Dems could hold a majority as great as 52-28 this year, the largest differential since 1979, depending on what the final vote tallies are in certain districts that had close races on Tuesday.

“We’ve made great progress, but we also have unfinished business. I look forward to working with everyone in the weeks ahead and into the next session as we tackle some of the major problems facing our state,” Prieto also stated.

Prieto added that he is aiming to find solutions to the transportation trust fund, making college more affordable, securing retirement savings and modernizing voting rights during his upcoming term.

Last month, 48 members of the Democratic caucus voiced their support in having Prieto serve another two-year term as Assembly Speaker.