Carmen Morales

Assemblywoman Carmen Theresa Morales serves New Jersey’s 34th Legislative District in the General Assembly, representing Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange, Glen Ridge, Nutley, and Orange. She assumed office on January 9, 2024, bringing fresh energy and deep local roots to her new role.

A lifelong resident of Belleville, Morales holds a B.A. in Speech Communications from Montclair State University, an M.A.S. in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and an Ed.S. in Education Leadership—while completing doctoral studies at Seton Hall University. 

Her career in education spans roles as a preschool teacher, education coordinator, vice principal, and principal—culminating in her current position as Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Essex County Schools of Technology. 

In an important milestone, Morales became the first Puerto Rican Assemblywoman in Essex County and quickly earned a place on key committees including Education, Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture, the Joint Committee on Public Schools, and the Joint Committee on Economic Justice and Equal Employment Opportunity.

Morales’s work isn’t confined to the classroom—she was a trustee for Essex County College from 2017 to 2023, signaling her commitment to regional educational equity and opportunity.

With a distinguished record in education and leadership, Assemblywoman Morales now channels her experience into shaping state policy—especially in crafting equitable learning environments and advancing economic and community development.