Shavonda E. Sumter
USA- Early Life and Education
- Healthcare Career
- Political Involvement
- Legislative Career
- Gubernatorial Bid
- Personal Life
Early Life and Education
Born in Paterson, New Jersey, to Charles and Bonnie Williams, Shavonda Sumter attended public and private schools in Paterson, Prospect Park, and Haledon. She graduated from Kean University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Sumter subsequently earned a Master of Arts in Health Care Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Healthcare Career
Sumter has held various roles in healthcare and currently serves as Director of Behavioral Health Services at Mountainside Hospital in Glen Ridge.
Political Involvement
Sumter became active in the New Jersey Democratic State Committee in 2008. She was an Electoral College member who cast votes for Barack Obama and Joe Biden after the 2008 presidential election. In 2010, Sumter managed Jeffrey Jones' successful mayoral campaign in Paterson.
Legislative Career
In 2011, Sumter ran for the New Jersey General Assembly in the 35th District. She and her running mate, Benjie Wimberly, defeated Republican candidates William Connolly and Donna Pagliusi. Sumter was sworn into office on January 10, 2012.
In the Assembly, Sumter serves on the Labor Committee (as Vice Chair), the Health and Senior Services Committee, and the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee. She has held the leadership position of Majority Leader in the house since 2015, having previously served as Deputy Speaker from 2014 to 2015.
Gubernatorial Bid
In September 2016, Sumter considered running for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 2017 and was considered a top contender to be the party's running mate for lieutenant governor. However, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy selected Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver as his running mate.
Personal Life
A Paterson resident, Sumter is married to Kenneth Sumter and has two children, Tyler (1998) and Kenneth Jr. (2000).
