Overview

Rosaura "Rosy" Bagolie is a Democratic member of the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 27th Legislative District, which encompasses municipalities in Essex and Passaic counties. The district's most populous communities include Clifton, West Orange, Montclair, Livingston, and Millburn. Bagolie assumed office on January 9, 2024, and currently serves as Deputy Parliamentarian. She was re-elected in November 2025.

Born on June 14, 1980, in the Dominican Republic, Bagolie immigrated to the United States at age 7 and settled with her family in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She graduated from Elizabeth High School and earned a B.A. in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Seton Hall University, an M.S. in Elementary Education from Seton Hall, an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Management and Policy from Seton Hall, and an Ed.M. in Special Education from Rutgers University. She is employed as principal and superintendent of the East Newark Public School District.

Bagolie's political career began in Union County grassroots politics while she was a student at Elizabeth High School, working alongside Senator Raymond Lesniak and Mayor Chris Bollwage. She served as a public school teacher, director of special education, and principal before becoming superintendent. In 2022 she was elected to the Livingston Township Council. In 2023 she won a competitive Democratic primary for the General Assembly and was elected to represent District 27 alongside Alixon Collazos-Gill.

Political Career

Livingston Township Council (2022–2023)

New Jersey General Assembly, District 27 (2024–present)

Deputy Parliamentarian, New Jersey General Assembly (2026–present)

Key Policy Areas

Education funding and school administration

Women's reproductive rights and healthcare access

Senior services and affordable housing

Gun violence prevention

Workers' rights and pension protection

Environmental sustainability and climate change

Notable Actions / Initiatives

Elected to the General Assembly in 2023 as one of 27 new members, comprising more than one-third of the 80-seat chamber in the 221st Legislature.

Re-elected in November 2025 after defeating primary challengers Rohit Dave and Blake Michael, and outpolling her running mate in the general election.

Elevated to Deputy Parliamentarian of the General Assembly in 2026.

Serves as Vice-Chair of the Assembly Education Committee and on committees for Commerce and Economic Development and Financial Institutions and Insurance.

Education

B.A., Social and Behavioral Sciences, Seton Hall University

M.S., Elementary Education, Seton Hall University

Ed.D., Educational Leadership, Management and Policy, Seton Hall University

Ed.M., Special Education, Rutgers University

Personal

Birth date: June 14, 1980

Residence: Livingston