Medinah Muhammad
Commissioner District 3
Medinah Muhammad is a lifelong Essex County resident with a career grounded in public service, policy, and community impact. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Rutgers University–Newark with a Master’s degree in Political Science.
She began her career in county government and, at just 23, became the youngest Chief of Staff in the New Jersey Legislature, advancing major policy initiatives including driver’s licenses for undocumented residents, a $15 minimum wage, cannabis decriminalization, and expanded maternal health access.
Medinah later served as a Legislative Aide in the Legislative Affairs Department under former Governor Phil Murphy, leading work on criminal justice reform, housing and economic development, and working closely with the Amistad Commission. She continues to serve in leadership roles in state government, advancing equity-focused community engagement and strengthening connections between public institutions and the communities they serve.
In May 2023, Medinah was appointed to serve as a member of the East Orange Board of Education. In 2024, she was elected unanimously as Vice President of the Board, and in 2025, she was elected Vice President of the Essex County School Boards Association.
Medinah is a Board Member of the New Jersey Leaders Collective, a longtime mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex County, and has been recognized by Insider NJ as a "Top Millennial" and "Top Policymaker", as well as featured in Rutgers Today for her work in New Jersey politics.
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