By Daniel Harris, Staff Reporter

On January 9th, shortly after the swearing-in of the 80 members of the New Jersey General Assembly for the 218th session, Assemblyman Gordon Johnson of Englewood motioned to nominate Woodbridge’s Craig Coughlin to succeed Speaker Vincent Prieto of Secaucus as the 171st Speaker of the General Assembly.
“I remember my Assembly orientation nine years ago when the head of the Office of Legislative Services told me, ‘There’s almost nine million people in New Jersey and only 121 people get to make the rules,” says Speaker Coughlin frequently. “Besides being the father of three boys, being chosen as Speaker is truly the greatest honor of my professional life.”

From the tiny city of South Amboy to the rostrum of the New Jersey’s People’s House, Craig Coughlin’s rise to the State’s third most powerful position in State government is a testament to hard work, congeniality and trust.

Craig’s interest in government and politics began at a young age per his mother’s political activism in his hometown of South Amboy. In his twenties, he successfully ran for the City’s Board of Education, serving one term before moving onto the City Council in 1987. After six years of service, Craig, his wife Letitia and their young family moved to the Fords section of Woodbridge Township.

For the next 16 years, he would spend his professional career as a municipal prosecutor, public defender and municipal judge in varying Middlesex County communities. He devoted his personal time to coaching in the Fords Clara Barton Baseball League and all of the other duties that come with being a homeowner, husband and father.

In the summer of 2009, the opportunity to run for the soon-to-be-open Assembly seat in the 19th Legislative District beckoned. Strong relationships with the Democratic Committeemen and women of Woodbridge, Carteret, Perth Amboy, Sayreville and South Amboy propelled him to secure the nomination. Since, Craig has secured the primary and general electoral victories in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017.

In eight years in the General Assembly, Assemblyman Coughlin focused his energy to banking and insurance matters, economic development and local government operations. In addition to maintaining close ties to the district’s five towns and strong constituent relations, he strove to champion and highlight the need to support the area’s food banks. Shortly after taking office, he partnered with Raritan Bay Medical Center, Middlesex Water Company and the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce to launch the Bowl for Hunger. In eight years, the Bowl for Hunger has raised over $180,000 for the district’s 32 food banks and soup kitchens.
Former State Treasurer and Woodbridge Mayor McCormac touts Assemblyman Coughlin’s work ethic and knowledge of government as reasons for his ascension. “I’ve known Craig for 30 years. We came up through government together. He’s done and seen it all. Woodbridge and the State are lucky to have a thoughtful, practical and caring person like Craig to lead the Assembly.”

A veteran of State-wide politics, Senator Joe Vitale credits Craig’s good nature as one of his greatest strengths. “Craig is universally liked and respected on both sides of the aisle in both houses. He’s built the kinds of lasting relationships that allow members to trust him as their leader.”
On his Speakership, “New Jersey faces some weighty issues such as affordability, economic growth and quality of life for all residents. Annually, we must pass a State Budget that outlines our priorities, including State Aid for towns and school districts. Our infrastructure, both highways and mass transit, is in constant need of maintenance and improvement. Our State must play a role in public health and protecting our most vulnerable as well as the environment.” However, Speaker Coughlin confides, “The wish list of programs and services is endless, but our budget is not. It’s a two year term so hopefully we can make some progress on our most pressing issues.”

Despite the challenges, Craig relishes the opportunity to work with talented and devoted public servants to steer New Jersey to a more affordable and prosperous future. The Corner wishes you well, Mr. Speaker.