Assemblywoman Ellen Park: Candidate Profile for LD 37 General Assembly Election

Legislative Leadership, Justice Reform, and Economic Vitality in LD 37

Assemblywoman Ellen Park (D-LD 37) is seeking re-election, campaigning on a platform built around her leadership roles in the Assembly, notably as Chair of the Judiciary Committee. Her agenda is focused on systemic reform in the criminal justice system, driving economic opportunity, and ensuring affordability for New Jersey families [1]. This profile synthesizes her public record, committee assignments, and stated priorities, as TownSquare was unable to secure a direct interview.

A Historical Role in Trenton: Law, Budget, and Community Voice

Assemblywoman Park made history in 2021 as the first Korean American woman elected to the New Jersey Legislature [2], following a path that began with municipal service. Born in South Korea, Park immigrated to the U.S. at age six [3]. She later attended the Bronx High School of Science, earned her degree from New York University, and secured her law degree (J.D.) from the Hofstra University Maurice A. Deane School of Law [4]. Prior to her time in Trenton, she served as a councilwoman on the Englewood Cliffs Borough Council, where she advocated for local green initiatives [5].

Since being sworn in in 2022, Park has ascended to several key leadership positions, serving as Assembly Parliamentarian since 2024 [6]. Her legislative priorities are directly reflected in her primary committee roles [1, 6]:

• Assembly Judiciary Committee (Chair): Directs policy regarding courts, crime, due process, and legal reform.

• Assembly Budget Committee (Vice-Chair): Oversees the state's fiscal planning and spending priorities.

• Assembly Commerce, Economic Development, and Agriculture Committee (Member): Focuses on business growth, job creation, and economic vitality.
  

Policy Priority I: Criminal Justice and Public Safety

As Chair of the Judiciary Committee, criminal justice and public safety are central to Park's work. Her legislative approach balances accountability with a focus on addressing systemic issues to reduce recidivism.

Reform and Re-Entry

Park champions criminal justice reform, particularly for low-income and minority communities disproportionately affected by mass incarceration [4]. She strongly advocates for restorative justice programs and expanded re-entry services, including access to education, job training, and mental health support for formerly incarcerated individuals. She also supports sentencing reforms and alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenses to ensure justice remains equitable [4].

Targeted Legislative Action

Her work includes critical bills impacting public safety and law enforcement accountability [4]:

• Gun Safety (A-4769): She has sponsored legislation to revise requirements for obtaining a firearm purchaser identification card and permit to carry, specifically codifying "sensitive places" where firearms are prohibited [4].

• Law Enforcement (A-4175): She has advanced measures concerning the use of force by law enforcement officers and requires specific reporting of these incidents [4].

• Protecting the Vulnerable: Her policy focus includes passing legislation to combat human trafficking and to ensure stronger protections for victims of crime while upholding due process.
  

Policy Priority II: Economic Affordability and Job Creation

A key pillar of Assemblywoman Park's platform is making New Jersey affordable for working families [4], a commitment that ties directly into her role as Vice-Chair of the Budget Committee and member of the Commerce Committee.

Affordability for Families

Park is committed to stabilizing the high cost of living. Her economic agenda includes fighting for property tax relief, expanding affordable housing options, and lowering both healthcare and pharmaceutical costs. As a longtime commuter, she also recognizes the necessity of investing in reliable public transportation [4].

Incumbent Assemblywoman Ellen Park in 2025. Source: Wikimedia

Small Business and Economic Growth

Using her background as an attorney assisting small businesses, Park is focused on leveraging her committee positions to bring job creation to New Jersey. She actively fights to support small businesses, entrepreneurs, and corporate partners, believing that a healthy job market is essential to keeping young families in the state [4].

Policy Priority III: Education and Inclusion

Park frames education and inclusion as core elements of community strength and upward mobility.

Access to Education

Park, a mother of two, views a good education as the primary tool low-income individuals can use to escape poverty [4]. She is a passionate advocate for the next generation, committing to [4]:

• Increase state funding for public schools.

• Invest in STEM and future-focused curriculums.

• Expand early childhood education programs.
  

Equity and Cultural Recognition

Park’s leadership is rooted in fostering unity and promoting equity for all backgrounds. This commitment is evidenced by her legislative efforts to [4]:

• Language Access (A-3837): Sponsor a bill requiring state government entities to provide vital documents and translation services in at least seven of the most common non-English languages [4].

• Cultural Recognition (AJR-201): Advance legislation to formally designate an annual celebration for Lunar New Year in New Jersey [4].

Conclusion: A Voice for the Diverse 37th District

Assemblywoman Park’s campaign for re-election is a continuation of her groundbreaking tenure, characterized by her focus on legal and fiscal governance. As the Chair of the Judiciary and Vice-Chair of the Budget Committee, she has positioned herself to lead on complex issues ranging from public safety reform and cultural equity to driving down the cost of living. Her platform is dedicated to creating a more affordable, just, and inclusive New Jersey where diverse families can thrive.

Sources Consulted

[1] NJ Assembly Democrats. "Ellen Park - District 37." assemblydems.com. [2] Wikipedia. "Ellen Park." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Park. [3] Ballotpedia. "Ellen Park." ballotpedia.org. [4] Ellen Park for Assembly. "Her Vision." ellenpark.com. [5] New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. "District 37: Ellen Park." njlcv.org. [6] New Jersey Legislature. "Assemblywoman Ellen J. Park (D)." njleg.state.nj.us.