Overview

Aura Kenny Dunn is a Republican member of the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 25th Legislative District since February 2020. The 25th Legislative District encompasses 19 municipalities across Morris and Passaic Counties, including Boonton, Dover, Morristown, Rockaway, and West Milford. Born November 15, 1971, she was raised in New York and earned her bachelor's degree in sociology from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a master's degree in public administration from George Washington University. She also holds a certificate in mediation.

Dunn spent 30 years in public service and government relations prior to her legislative career. She served as a budget analyst on education policy for the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee from 1997 to 2000 and as a policy advisor to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. She subsequently worked as a lobbyist representing America's Public Television Stations, Sesame Street, and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood before Congress and the White House. From 2016 to 2019, she served as District Director for 12-term Representative Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ-11). Dunn entered the Assembly through a special Republican convention on February 1, 2020, following Senator Anthony R. Bucco's death and the subsequent appointment of his son, Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, to the Senate.

Political Career

New Jersey General Assemblywoman, District 25 (February 2020–present)

Assistant Minority Whip, Republican Caucus (2022–present)

Member, Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee (2024–present)

Member, Assembly Higher Education Committee (2024–present)

Member, Assembly Budget Committee (2020–2024)

Member, Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee (2020–2024)

Member, Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee (2020–2024)

Key Policy Areas

Transportation infrastructure and public safety

Higher education accountability and campus safety

Veterans' affairs and military support

Children and family services

Government transparency and ethics

Disability rights and accessibility

Notable Actions / Initiatives

Authored legislation establishing sexual extortion as a crime with enhanced penalties when committed against minors or disabled individuals

Primary sponsor of the Campus Crime Disclosure Act (Clery Act) during her federal service, requiring colleges and universities to disclose campus crime statistics and security information

Founded and serves as Co-Chair of the Legislative Disability Caucus, addressing accessibility and rights for New Jerseyans with disabilities

Advanced the "Road to Relief" legislative package following the Route 80 sinkhole crisis, working with state agencies and providing constituent updates

Served as a board member of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation and on the boards of Morris Habitat for Humanity and Morris County Mental Health and Addictions Services

Volunteers as a JBWS-certified domestic violence crisis response team member for local police departments

Family has hosted a New York City child each summer since 2010 through the Fresh Air Fund program

Education

M.A., Public Administration, George Washington University

B.A., Sociology, State University of New York at Buffalo

Certificate in Mediation

Personal

Birth date: November 15, 1971

Residence: Mendham, Morris County, New Jersey