Katie Brennan is a housing policy expert and survivor advocate who represents the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Hoboken and parts of Jersey City. She entered public service following her work as chief of staff to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs under Governor Phil Murphy's administration, where she focused on affordable housing and infrastructure policy.

Brennan gained national attention as a sexual assault survivor who successfully challenged the handling of her case by the Murphy administration, resulting in legislative reforms and a $1 million settlement. She has spent 15 years working on housing affordability, environmental justice, and government transparency issues in Hudson County. She co-founded the Journal Square Neighborhood Association and serves on the board of The Waterfront Project, a housing advocacy organization.

Political Career

• Chief of Staff, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (Murphy administration)
• Co-founder, Journal Square Neighborhood Association
• Board Member, The Waterfront Project
• Member, New Jersey General Assembly, 32nd Legislative District (January 13, 2026–present)
• Deputy Conference Leader (2026–present)

Key Policy Areas

• Affordable housing and tenant protections
• Infrastructure and climate resiliency
• Survivor justice and criminal justice reform
• Government transparency and accountability
• Public transportation and transit-oriented development

Notable Actions / Initiatives

• Successfully litigated against the State of New Jersey regarding handling of sexual assault allegations, resulting in 12 state and federal laws protecting survivors and reforming criminal justice procedures; donated settlement to The Waterfront Project
• Led effort to save state affordable housing protections against Governor Christie's proposed cuts
• Helped secure largest funding influx for affordable housing in New Jersey history
• Launched first statewide hospital-housing agency partnership, now a national model for affordable housing for families with serious medical needs
• Co-sponsored legislation (A-4302, 2026) restricting employment of former ICE agents in state positions
• Active in defending Hoboken's rent control law and strengthening Jersey City's inclusionary zoning ordinance

Education

• Xavier University – Bachelor's degree (2009)
• Rutgers University, Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy – Master's degree in Urban Planning (2012)

Personal

• Birth date: Not publicly available
• Residence: Jersey City, New Jersey