Overview

Benjie E. Wimberly is a Democratic member of the New Jersey State Senate, representing the 35th Legislative District since January 30, 2025. The 35th Legislative District encompasses six municipalities across Bergen and Passaic Counties, most notably Paterson, Garfield, and Elmwood Park. Wimberly is the first Black state senator in Passaic County history. He previously served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2012 to 2025, including as Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore from 2022 to 2025.

A lifelong Paterson resident, Wimberly has maintained parallel careers in education, athletics, and public service. He worked as a special education teacher at Eastside High School in Paterson, where he also served as an assistant football coach from 1989 to 1994. He subsequently served as head football coach at Paterson Catholic High School from 1995 to 2010 From 2012 to 2021, he was head football coach at Hackensack High School. Since 1998, he has served as Director of Recreation for the City of Paterson, overseeing municipal parks, youth programs, and athletic facilities. He also served on the Paterson City Council from 2010 to 2012 before his election to the state legislature.

Political Career

New Jersey State Senator, District 35 (2025–present)

Speaker Pro Tempore, New Jersey General Assembly (2022–2025)

New Jersey General Assemblyman, District 35 (2012–2025)

Paterson City Council (2010–2012)

Director of Recreation, City of Paterson (1998–present)

Executive Committee Member, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA)

Key Policy Areas

Youth recreation and athletic programming

Urban education and school infrastructure

Community safety and anti-violence initiatives

Open space and park development in urban centers

Minority workforce development in athletics and education

Notable Actions / Initiatives

Elevation to State Senate in January 2025, becoming the first Black state senator to represent Passaic County in New Jersey history

Served as Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore from 2022 to 2025, the third-highest leadership position in the lower house

Founder of the New Jersey Minority Coaches Association (NJMCA), established in 2020 to advance opportunities for minority athletic coaches statewide

As Paterson Catholic football program amassed seven state championships and a 70-3 record in his final seven seasons as head coach; mentored future NFL player Victor Cruz

At Hackensack High School, compiled a 50-38 record with seven playoff appearances over nine seasons; team received COVID-19 Coach of the Year recognition from the New York Giants in 2020

Delivered 171 career victories as a high school football head coach, ranking among the most successful coaches in New Jersey history

Education

B.A., Sociology, Virginia State University

Diploma, Passaic County Technical Institute

Personal

Birth date: December 1, 1964

Residence: Paterson, New Jersey