New Year, New Legislature
By: Catherine Best, NJ Realtors® Director of Government Affairs
As we enter the 2026 legislative session, the atmosphere in Trenton is defined by significant change. With the inauguration of Gov. Mikie Sherrill and the seating of the 222nd Legislature, New Jersey Realtors® is navigating a transition in executive leadership. For our Government Affairs Department, this period represents a reset of the legislative clock that requires a strategic approach to ensure our members’ interests remain at the forefront of the state’s policy agenda.
The transition to the Sherrill administration brings a new agenda, and so our team has prioritized setting up introductory meetings with new Cabinet officials and Senior Staff to establish strong, foundational relationships. These meetings are essential for educating the governor’s leadership team on the vital role Realtors® play in New Jersey’s economy. By building these relationships early, we ensure when the administration drafts new regulations, whether they concern property taxes, environmental standards, or licensing, our organization is positioned as a primary stakeholder and resource for decision-makers.
As a result of the last general election, there are 12 new members of the Assembly, and the Democrats have a “super majority.” Many of these freshman legislators are new to the complexities of the real estate industry, and our goal is to provide them with the data and insights necessary for informed policymaking. A new legislative session also means the slate is officially wiped clean. Any bills that did not reach the governor’s desk by the end of the previous term have expired, and committee membership and chairmanships may change. We are also redefining our relationships with more seasoned legislators who might find themselves on committees that directly impact our industry. We also continue to work with familiar faces, as Asm. Speaker Craig Coughlin, Asm. Minority Leader John DiMaio, Sen. President Nick Scutari, and Sen. Minority Leader Anthony Bucco were reelected for their respective positions. Sen. Troy Singleton remains the Chair of the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee, and Asw. Yvonne Lopez also remains the Chair of the Assembly Housing Committee. The Housing Committee welcomed Asm. Sterley Stanley as vice chair this session, and our Government Affairs Department had the opportunity to speak with him in this new role. We’ve also been working with Asm. Dan Hutchison, who is the new chair of the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee.
Since the start of the new legislative session, we have continued to see affordability be top of mind. With the increasing utilization of artificial intelligence, the state is grappling with how to regulate emerging technologies. As always, our Government Affairs Department remains at the forefront of these issues, ready to work with Gov. Sherrill and legislative leaders to ensure our industry is in the best position possible.