New Jersey chooses first Latina elected as state Senate Majority Leader

State Senator Teresa Ruiz has been chosen as New Jersey's new Senate majority leader, it was announced on Friday.

She is the first Latina to hold that position, and will be the highest ranking Latina in the history of the New Jersey legislature, according to Patch. Ruiz was first elected to the Senate in 2008. The full Senate will make it official on Jan. 11, when the legislature next convenes. 

"I want to thank my colleagues for electing me to serve as the Senate Majority Leader for the upcoming legislative session. I am honored to be the first Latina to hold this position," Ruiz said.

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez congratulated Ruiz and called it an "historic" milestone.

Today is truly a historic day in our state and I couldn’t be more proud that @SenMTeresaRuiz will be the first Latina to serve as NJ Senate Majority Leader. This is a momentous time for our community and I know Teresa will make us all proud. https://t.co/PpsiQASRPy

— Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) November 12, 2021

"I cannot think of a more qualified, more experienced, and a more ready individual to be the next Senate Majority Leader than Senator Teresa Ruiz," Menendez said. "Today is truly a historic day in our state and I couldn't be prouder that Senator Ruiz will be the first Latina to serve in this role."