Josephine C. Garcia is a lifelong resident and dedicated public servant in Newark, New Jersey, widely respected for her decades of leadership in municipal government, education, and community advocacy.
For more than 20, she has worked to strengthen neighborhoods, expand opportunity, and ensure that families across the city have a strong voice in local government.
Josephine C. Garcia is a lifelong resident and dedicated public servant in Newark, New Jersey, widely respected for her decades of leadership in municipal government, education, and community advocacy.
For more than 20, she has worked to strengthen neighborhoods, expand opportunity, and ensure that families across the city have a strong voice in local government.
Ms. Garcia began her public service career in 1998 in the administration of former Mayor Sharpe James, where she helped support executive operations and community initiatives.
Her dedication and effectiveness led to her appointment as Chief of Staff to Councilman-at-Large Carlos M. Gonzalez in 2006, where she continues to provide strategic guidance on policy, constituent services, and community engagement.
She also serves as a Legislative Aide to Shanique Speight, supporting legislative priorities that advance the needs of local residents.
A passionate advocate for education, Ms. Garcia was elected to the Newark Board of Education, earning the highest number of votes in a competitive race.
She later served as Board President from 2018 to 2021, helping guide the district through Newark's historic return to local control after more than two decades of state oversight.
She made history as the first elected Latina president of the Board under local governance and played a key role in appointing new district leadership and strengthening policies that support student success.
Her leadership extends beyond the city through service with the Essex County Democratic Committee and as vice chair of the North Ward Democratic Committee.
She has also led major regional and cultural institutions, including serving as president of the Puerto Rican Day Parade of Newark and president of the Essex Regional Educational Commission.
A devoted mother, Ms. Garcia takes great pride in the accomplishments of her three sons. Donavin, a graduate of Technology High School, served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Brandon, a graduate of Science Park High School, earned a double major in biology and psychology from William Paterson University. Michael, a graduate of St. Peter's Preparatory School, is pursuing a degree in engineering.
A lifelong resident of Newark's North Ward, Ms. Garcia remains deeply rooted in the community she serves. A proud graduate of Barringer High School and Essex County College, she continues to be a steadfast advocate for opportunity, equity, and progress — serving as both a role model and a tireless champion for the people of Newark and beyond.
