Joann Downey
Joann Downey | |
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Member of the New Jersey General Assembly from the 11th district | |
Assumed office January 12, 2016 Serving with Eric Houghtaling | |
Preceded by | Caroline Casagrande Mary Pat Angelini |
Personal details | |
Born | Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. | October 31, 1966
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Stephen Downey |
Education | Rutgers University, New Brunswick (BA) New York Law School (JD) Boston University (MSW) |
Joann Kagan Downey (born October 31, 1966) is an American Democratic Party politician representing the 11th Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly. She currently serves on the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee and the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee.[1]
Biography
Downey was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University, where she studied Political Science and English, a Juris Doctor from New York Law School and a Masters of Social Work from Boston University School of Social Work.[2]
After graduating from Freehold Township High School, Downey was accepted to the New Jersey State Police, inspired by her father, who was a New Jersey State Trooper. Downey ultimately decided to pursue a law degree and prosecutorial work instead.[3] She went on to serve as Deputy State Attorney General, working in the Department of Children and Families. Downey cites this experience as the impetus that moved her to work toward her Masters in Social Work.[3]
Downey was elected to the General Assembly alongside running mate Eric Houghtaling in November 2015.[4] Their victory was considered by many to be an unexpected upset.[5]
District 11
There are forty districts in the New Jersey Legislature each with one representative in the New Jersey Senate and two members in the New Jersey General Assembly. The other representatives from the 11th District for the current Legislative Session are:[6]
- Senator Vin Gopal (D)
- Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling (D)
References
- ^ Gladden, Michelle. "Downey and Houghtaling get Committee Appointments". Retrieved 2016-06-29.
- ^ "votesmart.org". Joann Downey's Biography. votesmart.org. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
- ^ a b "Meet the Leaders | February 19, 2016 - New Jersey | New Jersey Assemblywoman Joann Downey". www.meettheleaders.com. Retrieved 2016-06-29.
- ^ "Monmouth County Election Results 2015". Monmouth County Clerk's Office. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
- ^ Johnson, Brent (3 November 2015). "Elections 2015: Democrats oust Republicans in Assembly's 11th District". nj.com. nj.com. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
- ^ "New Jersey Legislature - Legislative Roster". www.njleg.state.nj.us. Retrieved 2016-06-29.