Luanne Peterpaul

Luanne Peterpaul is an American politician, lawyer, and former judge serving as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly for the 11th legislative district since 2024. A member of the Democratic Party, she holds the distinction of being the first openly lesbian individual to serve in the New Jersey legislature. Throughout her career, Peterpaul has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, having served as board chair of Garden State Equality and contributing to the establishment of same-sex marriage in New Jersey. She also co-authored the state's Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights in 2011. Her professional background includes service as an assistant county prosecutor in Essex County and as a municipal court judge in Long Branch.