Marisa Sweeney sworn in to N.J. Assembly, becoming first Democrat to hold 25th District seat in nearly 50 years

TRENTON, N.J. — Marisa Sweeney was sworn in Tuesday as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, becoming the first Democrat to represent the 25th Legislative District in the Assembly in nearly 50 years, officials said.

Sweeney took the oath of office from Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin and will represent the district, which includes parts of Morris and Passaic counties.

“As a small business owner, Marisa Sweeney has spent years bringing people together and creating spaces that support health and community,” said Speaker Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “As a voice for the 25th Legislative District, Assemblywoman Sweeney’s perspective will be invaluable in our efforts to make New Jersey more affordable. The people of her district, and all of New Jersey, are fortunate to have her in this new role.”

Sweeney is a small business owner who founded Be Well Integrative Health Services, a women’s wellness center headquartered in Morristown with 12 locations in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, officials said. She serves on the Morristown planning board and on the board of directors of Grow It Green Morristown. She also created the New Jersey VegFest, described as the state’s largest annual vegan food festival.

“Ensuring that residents have affordable housing, strong public schools, and dependable access to healthcare remains at the core of the work ahead,” said Assemblywoman Sweeney (D-Morris, Passaic). “I am ready to champion policies that uplift working families, protect essential social programs, and strengthen the future of the 25th Legislative District. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature to make Morris and Passaic counties a place where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.”

Officials said Sweeney earned a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and food science from Montclair State University, a master’s degree from Northeastern University and a doctor of clinical nutrition degree from the University of North Florida. She practiced dietetics at Hackensack University Medical Center, Holy Name Medical Center and the Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation, officials said.

Sweeney was also a 2020 honoree in NJBIZ’s “40 Under 40” awards, officials said.