Shama Haider

Shama Haider is an American politician serving as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 37th legislative district since 2022. Born in Pakistan and educated at the University of Punjab, she previously served as secretary to the First Lady of Pakistan, Nusrat Bhutto, before emigrating to the United States in 1977. Haider has a long history of local public service, having served two terms on the Tenafly Borough Council starting in 2001 and 2015. In 2021, she made history as one of the first Muslim women elected to the New Jersey Legislature. Since 2024, she has served as the Deputy Majority Leader in the Assembly, where she chairs the Children, Families and Food Security Committee.