Over the past several months, the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) has focused on key political developments in both Washington, D.C., and Trenton.
The federal government shutdown that lasted 43 days in 2025 became the longest in U.S. history. Typically, Congress passes a bipartisan Continuing Resolution to keep the government funded when it cannot agree on a new budget by October. This year, partisan divisions deepened as Senate Democrats withheld support for a resolution without an extension of health care subsidies set to expire soon, which Republicans opposed.
On November 11, eight Senate Democrats joined Republicans to approve a measure reopening the government. The deal included guarantees that fired federal workers would be rehired and promised a vote on health care tax credits. The agreement angered many Democrats and raised concerns about another possible shutdown when funding expires in January.
The shutdown had significant effects on public services. Disruptions in funding for programs like SNAP and WIC affected thousands across New Jersey. SNAP alone provides substantial economic support to the state—an estimated $2 billion impact—helping over 5,000 businesses and nearly 850,000 residents, including more than 267,000 children.
During this period, the Department of Education experienced layoffs targeting staff across multiple offices such as Civil Rights and Special Education. Staffing fell from about 4,133 at the start of 2025 to fewer than 2,000 employees after the shutdown. These reductions may hinder oversight of $68 billion in grants and limit access to policy experts needed by students.
NJEA maintained contact with federal lawmakers throughout the impasse to share members’ concerns and called for renewed bipartisan negotiations. Additionally, NJEA organized food drives supporting local food banks impacted by gaps in SNAP funding; at its convention alone members donated over 700 pounds of food.
In Congress, Republicans currently hold a slim majority (219-213) over Democrats in the House of Representatives. With only a few votes separating control between parties ahead of potential shifts during upcoming elections in 2026, redistricting efforts have intensified nationwide as states redraw congressional maps along party lines.
New Jersey’s Apportionment Commission—not its Legislature—controls redistricting following each national census per state constitutional requirements.
Several races are being closely watched for their potential impact:
– CD-7 (Tom Kean Jr.’s seat), where Democrats hope for gains;
– CD-11 (to be vacated by Mikie Sherrill);
– CD-12 (typically Democratic but open after Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman’s retirement announcement).
On the state level in Trenton, NJEA is preparing for Mikie Sherrill’s transition into office as governor-elect by submitting policy recommendations addressing education priorities important to members and communities.
During New Jersey’s “lame duck” session—the interval between Election Day and inauguration—NJEA is advocating for several legislative changes: eliminating high school exit exams; reforming charter schools; and restoring pension benefits through Tier 1 for Everyone legislation before outgoing lawmakers leave office.
“Throughout this impasse, NJEA maintained communication with our federal representatives, sharing member concerns about the impacts of the shutdown and calling for bipartisan negotiations to end the crisis,” according to NJEA communications during recent events.
“We look forward to serving as a partner and resource on the issues impacting our members, our students and our communities.”
Aaron McClendon serves as associate director within NJEA’s Office of Politics and Policy.
