Jamel C. Holley represents the 20th Legislative District (Elizabeth, Hillside, Roselle, Union) in the New Jersey State Assembly. 

CDNJ: Tell us about how you got interested in politics. What made you decide to pursue it as a profession?

JH: My interest in politics arose from my desire to pursue a career in public service aimed at giving back to the community hat that given me so much.
 
CDNJ: Which accomplishment are you most proud of?

JH: Roselle First, Park Renovations, and Development Projects. 
 
CDNJ: Most College Democrats' members plan on remaining active in politics and government after college. What would you tell students who are planning to enter the world of public service? 

JH: Being active in politics and government after college has a lot of gratification. Knowing that you are able to help others in your community and within in the state is a gratifying feel. By staying active in politics and government after college, you can help your community, along with it being a great networking plan. It is also a way to advocate for what you and your community believes in, needs, and wants.

CDNJ: How have you found meaning through your political work?

JH: Yes. Seeing the lives of others change for the better.

CDNJ: As an member on the Higher Education Committee, what do you think is the best way to make college/universities more affordable in the State of New Jersey?

JH: As a Higher Education Committee, I think the best way to make college/universities more affordable in the State of New Jersey is to shift the federal power to the states. This will cause for the states to be more accountable based on what students need and what their state needs when it comes down to the cost of universities/colleges. I am a sponsor of ACR-200 in the Assembly, which encourages New Jersey Colleges and Universities to offer $10,000 degree programs.

CDNJ: What are your thoughts on BlackLivesMatter movement?

JH: As a society, we all must understand that all lives matter. The BlackLivesMatter movement shows the public that there are specific problems that are happening in African American communities that are not going through others. The BlackLivesMatter movement addresses issues that need to be addressed.

CDNJ: What is your favorite place to hang out?

JH:  Central Park Restaurant in Roselle

CDNJ: Starbucks or Dunkin?

JH: Definitely Starbucks!

CDNJ: Fun Fact?

JH: I am a funny guy in person. 

Mr. Pereira currently serves as an Aide to United States Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey. 
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​​CDNJ: How and where did you get your start in NJ politics?

DP: I started working, in my home county, Morris County, with their field program back in 2009. My first big job in NJ politics though was on the 2012-coordinated campaign. This is, I think, the most important story I can tell about getting involved in politics. At the time, I was the Vice President of the Rutgers University Democrats. A staffer from the Menendez campaign came to speak to us looking for interns. The next day I was at their office ready to volunteer. I showed up every day, volunteered on weekends, and when I didn’t have class I was the first one to the office and the last one to leave. Eventually, the campaign manager took notice and I was hired full time. I worked my way from a volunteer, to an intern, to managing the field program for suburban Essex County. So to any aspiring politicos reading this: people in power will take notice when you’re the hardest worker in the room.

CDNJ: What issues in particular have you been an advocate for and why do you feel they're important?

DP: I have always been an advocate for candidates, not specific issues. That being said, I have recently developed a passion for education policy and plan to pursue a graduate degree in education so that I may advocate more effectively for changes to education policy.

CDNJ: What do you think could be done to ensure college democrats have more of a role in the political process in NJ?

DP: I think the key to influence is activity. Elected officials in the state need to know that college students are active and involved. By volunteering on campaigns, advocating on behalf of issues, and in general making your presence known, you will expand your sphere of influence.

CDNJ: Any hobbies?

DP: I read, constantly. I aim for a book a week, at least. I highly recommend everyone read Our Kids by Robert Putnam and Between the World and Me by Ta Nehisi Coates. If you like Science Fiction and philosophy, though, the best book I read all year was The Mechanical by Ian Tregelis .I also play chess, which I think helps clear my head and helps my concentration.

CDNJ: Favorite POTUS and why?

DP:President Barack Obama. Aside from the tremendous policy accomplishments both at home and abroad, his was the first campaign I ever worked on, and he was the first person for whom I ever cast a vote. The emotional ties to him and his success cement him as my favorite.