Overview

Larry Wainstein is a Democratic member of the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 33rd Legislative District (including Secaucus, Weehawken, and West New York) beginning January 2026. A small business owner and community advocate, Wainstein was elected to the Assembly in November 2025, succeeding Julio Marenco. He serves on the Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee and the Judiciary Committee. Wainstein is the founder of a charitable organization that provides free services and programs to low-income residents, senior citizens, single parents, veterans, and disabled children in Hudson County. He previously ran for mayor of North Bergen in 2015 and 2019 as a reform candidate challenging the incumbent administration. Born in Argentina, Wainstein immigrated to the United States as a child; his parents, Enrique and Maria, worked in a warehouse and sold encyclopedias door-to-door before saving enough to open a bodega. He became the first in his family to earn a college degree. Professionally, he owns real estate interests and three laundromats in Hudson County. His 2025 Assembly campaign, run with the support of Senator Brian P. Stack and Assemblyman Gabe Rodriguez, defeated a primary slate backed by longtime North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco.

Political Career

New Jersey General Assemblyman, District 33 (2026–present)

Member, Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee (2026–present)

Member, Assembly Judiciary Committee (2026–present)

Candidate for Mayor of North Bergen (2015, unsuccessful; 2019, unsuccessful)

Founder, North Bergen Concerned Citizens community organization

Key Policy Areas

Aging and senior services

Judicial and legal policy

Small business and economic development

Education reform and school facilities

Community safety and constituent services

Notable Actions / Initiatives

Founded and operates a charitable organization providing assistance to low-income residents, single mothers, disabled residents, special needs children, and veterans in North Bergen

Challenged the longstanding political establishment in North Bergen through two mayoral campaigns (2015, 2019) focused on education reform and government transparency

Won competitive 2025 Democratic primary against candidates supported by the incumbent North Bergen mayor, signaling a shift in district political dynamics

Authored bill requiring a special commemorative session of the General Assembly at Princeton University in February 2026 (AR164)

Education

B.A., Business and Economics, Saint Peter's University (Jersey City)

Personal

Birth date: Not publicly available

Residence: North Bergen, Hudson County, New Jersey