Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez - Contact Information

Nilsa Cruz-Perez is an American politician who represents the 5th Legislative District in the New Jersey Senate. She was born on January 21, 1961, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. She attended the University of Puerto Rico, earning a degree in political science. She also studied at Big Bend Community College Army Quartermaster School and the Temple University Overseas Division.

Cruz-Perez served in the United States Army from 1981 to 1987, attaining the rank of sergeant. After her military service, she worked as a part-time community development specialist for the Camden County Improvement Authority. She was a resident of Camden and now resides in Barrington.

Cruz-Perez began her political career in the New Jersey General Assembly, representing District 5 from 1995 to 2010. She was selected in February 1995 to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Assemblyman Wayne R. Bryant. During her time in the Assembly, she served as the Assistant Majority Leader from 2002–2005 and Deputy Majority Leader from January 2008 to January 2010.

In 2014, Cruz-Perez was sworn into office to represent the 5th Legislative District in the New Jersey Senate, filling the vacant seat of Donald Norcross. She has since been re-elected and her current term ends on January 11, 2028.

Throughout her political career, Cruz-Perez has been involved in various committees. She has served as the Chairman of the New Jersey Senate Economic Growth Committee and has been a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, Economic Growth Committee, Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Housing Affordability Committee.

Cruz-Perez has been instrumental in sponsoring legislation to improve Camden’s operations and economy, enhance state and legislative ethical standards, establish a body armor grant program for sheriff departments, and allow public housing projects to evict residents convicted of certain crimes.