Nellie Pou, a state senator from New Jersey and a contender for U.S. Congress, advocates for Puerto Rico’s statehood. Reports from Washington suggest that she is “virtually guaranteed” to secure the House position recently opened by the passing of long-serving Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ). Should she succeed in the November election, Pou will earn the distinction of being the first Latina federal legislator from the state.
Her previous roles include President of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, Chair of the New Jersey Senate Commerce Committee, Chair of the New Jersey Legislative Latino Caucus, and Vice Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Pou has led efforts in both education and healthcare, and is especially recognized for her backing of small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Heritage of Puerto Rico
Pou’s parents moved from Puerto Rico to New Jersey in 1953, and she was born and brought up in New Jersey.
If elected, Pou will join five other voting House members who share Puerto Rican heritage: Nydia Velázquez, Darren Soto, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ritchie Torres, and Anthony D’Esposito.
The Democratic Party of Puerto Rico has endorsed Pou’s campaign. Party chairman Luis Dávila Pernas remarked, “[A]s a supporter of Puerto Rico, she stands by causes that enhance the welfare of the Puerto Rican community both on the island and in the states. Her advocacy for Puerto Rico’s equality demonstrates her care for the needs and hopes of the Puerto Rican population.”
Governor Pedro Pierluisi has also thrown his support behind Pou, stating, “Nellie Pou has long been a strong ally of the 3.2 million U.S. citizens residing in Puerto Rico during her political journey. As a fellow Boricua, her representation and advocacy in Congress for New Jersey will help advance the needs of Puerto Ricans and Latinos across all fifty states and territories.”
Rep. Rob Menendez (D-NJ) was the inaugural federally elected official to back Pou for the position. “To me, she was the sole Hispanic elected [official] who stepped up to potentially succeed Bill in a district that has 42 percent Hispanic voters. She possesses the credentials — she has the finest credentials among the candidates. The most experienced, the longest serving legislator among those who expressed interest, and she’s poised to make history as the first Latina to represent New Jersey in Congress; she compiled all of that. So, for me, it was an easy choice,” Menendez said.
Personal Background
Pou studied at Kean College, Rutgers University, and the University of Virginia. She has spent the majority of her professional career working for the city of Paterson. Her service includes participation in various committees, including those focused on commerce and the judiciary.
She is up against three additional candidates in the forthcoming Congressional election, yet she stands as the only Hispanic contender in a district where 42% of constituents identify as Hispanic, earning significant endorsements from leaders in both New Jersey and Washington.
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