In the last decade, New Jersey’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has grown dramatically. According to the 2020 Census, more than 1.05 million New Jerseyans identify as Asian, a 44 percent increase since the 2010 census. The AAPI community now makes up 11% of the state’s population. This growth has shaped New Jersey’s cultural and political landscape. Governor Phil Murphy has led the state since 2018 and often states that “We wear our diversity as a badge of honor.” His administration’s policies reflect this assertion, supporting the AAPI community.
In this article, Governor Murphy answers written questions, focusing on the AAPI community’s impact, youth voter engagement, and civic participation. We explore his insights as the demographic and political culture shifts and his hopes for the future, one where every New Jerseyan, regardless of age or background, has a voice
The AAPI Community’s Impact in New Jersey
Q: New Jersey has one of the fastest-growing AAPI populations in the country. How have you seen the AAPI community shape and contribute to the state during your time in office?
Governor Murphy: “As the fastest-growing ethnic group in our state, AAPI New Jerseyans represent the fourth-largest AAPI community in the entire nation. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders enrich the great diversity of our state every day, from leading small businesses to serving as teachers and coaches. We take pride in the many AAPI leaders who are making a meaningful impact on our state, driving progress and strengthening our communities.”
New Jersey ranks third nationwide in its share of AAPI residents, with some towns, such as Bergen County’s Palisades Park, with an Asian American population exceeding 40 percent. The Governor Murphy administration achieved significant policy advances:
- Asian American Pacific Islander Commission (2022): Governor Murphy signed legislation establishing an Asian American Heritage Commission. Its mission is to design and promote Asian American cultural and educational programs in New Jersey.
- Asian American Heritage Commission (2022): Governor Murphy signed a piece of legislation to establish the AAPI Commission in the Department of State. Its purpose is to develop “policies to address the social and economic needs of the growing Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in New Jersey.”
- AAPI-Inclusive Curriculum Reform (2022): New Jersey became only the second state in the nation to require that AAPI history and contributions be taught in public schools. The law mandates integration of lessons on immigration stories, civil rights struggles, and cultural legacies.
- High-Profile Appointments: Early in his term, Governor Murphy named Gurbir Grewal, the first Sikh American to serve as a state Attorney General. Subsequent cabinet positions and key advisory roles have incorporated AAPI voices, signaling the administration’s commitment to “mirror New Jersey’s diversity in leadership,” as Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin observed when the AAPI Commission was established.
Q: How have your personal experiences with the AAPI community shaped your perspective as Governor?
Governor Murphy: “Before my time as Governor, First Lady Tammy Governor Murphy and I were blessed to have lived in Hong Kong for several years. And we were honored to return to Asia a couple of years ago on an economic mission trip with Choose New Jersey. During my Administration, I have relied on the counsel of multiple AAPI cabinet members, advocates, and colleagues to make our state more affordable for New Jerseyans, defend our fundamental freedoms, and build a stronger and fairer state for every family. These dedicated individuals bring a wide range of personal and professional perspectives that reflect the resilience, diversity, and determination of the communities they serve.”
Governor Murphy’s overseas experience informed his outreach to AAPI leaders at home. He has led or joined trade missions to India, Israel, and Gulf Arab states, during which he met New Jersey-born AAPI professionals living abroad. Assemblywoman Ellen Park, a Korean American member of the General Assembly and sponsor of the Lunar New Year resolution, applauds Governor Murphy’s “deep respect and genuine curiosity for our communities.”
Celebrating Diversity Beyond AAPI
Q: Looking back on your time as governor, what are you most proud of when it comes to working with New Jersey’s diverse communities?
Governor Murphy: “We are so proud that our Administration has passed multiple pieces of legislation to recognize, uplift, and celebrate the many diverse communities that call New Jersey home. In 2022, I signed legislation that created the Black Heritage Trail, which promotes awareness and appreciation of Black history, heritage, and culture that will highlight Black heritage sites through historical markers and a trail-like path that connects the stories of Black life and resiliency. During my Administration, I have worked with the Department of State to create the Asian American Pacific Islander Commission, the New Jersey-India Commission, the New Jersey-Israel Commission, the New Jersey-Ireland Trade Commission, and the New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission. I have also had the opportunity to go on multiple economic mission trips, most recently to the Gulf Arab states to help create cultural and economic ties with New Jersey.”
Governor Murphy’s efforts towards honoring the AAPI community extended beyond public support but also evident in legislation and events. On January 12, 2024, Governor Murphy signed AJR201/SJR111, officially designating the first new moon of the lunar calendar as Lunar New Year in New Jersey. He remarked, “New Jersey is home to the third largest per-capita population of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the nation, which is why it is important to honor and embrace the rich traditions of our diverse AAPI community”.
Along with this resolution, Governor Murphy began a tradition of an annual Lunar New Year reception. On February 12, 2024, the first gathering took place at Drumthwacket, the governor’s home. The event welcomed AAPI advocates and community leaders, featuring traditional performances and speeches. This celebration and the AAPI Heritage Month celebrations together showcase the state’s commitment to celebrating all cultures.
The Governor Murphy administration’s AAPI initiatives work alongside broader efforts to recognize and uplift minority communities. As Governor Murphy said when signing the Lunar New Year bill, “I am proud to designate Lunar New Year as an annual recognition here in New Jersey; it is important to honor and embrace the rich traditions of our diverse AAPI community.”
Youth Voter Turnout: Reversing a Downward Trend
Q: Youth voter turnout in New Jersey saw a sharp decline after 2020. What is being done to encourage young New Jerseyans to vote and participate in civic life, and how do you view the role of young people in our democracy?
Governor Murphy: “Newark has set a national standard for youth voting rights by allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in their local school board elections. Providing young people a say in issues that directly impact their lives is not only the right thing to do but also helps make voting into a lifelong habit. At a time when our democracy is threatened, we must do everything we can to empower the next generation by instilling in them the value of civic engagement. By deepening civics instruction in middle school and high school, we are giving students the tools they need to be more engaged and informed citizens. An understanding of civics strengthens our democracy by ensuring everyone understands the role they play in the future of their community, our state, and our nation.”
In 2020, New Jersey achieved 67 percent youth turnout (ages 18–29), the highest in the nation, largely thanks to mail-in ballots. However, sustaining that momentum has been difficult. New Jersey’s response under Governor Murphy combines policy reforms with civic education:
- Automatic & Pre-Registration (2017): The state implemented automatic voter registration at MVC offices and allowed pre-registration at 17, reducing barriers to registration. Tufts University reports these measures correlate with higher youth registration and turnout.
- In-Person Early Voting (2021): To accommodate students and working teens, Governor Murphy signed a law instituting early voting sites in each county, a popular option for young people with busy and ever-changing schedules.
- 17-Year-Old Primaries & Newark Pilot (2022–2024): Governor Murphy championed legislation granting 17-year-olds the right to vote in primary elections, provided they turn 18 by the general election. He also advocated for 16- and 17-year-olds voting in local school board elections. In Newark’s 2024 pilot, 16- and 17-year-olds out-voted adults percentage-wise (3.4 percent vs. 3.2 percent), showing that, when properly informed and given access, teens will vote at rates comparable to older age groups.
- Civics Curriculum Reform: Under Laura Wooten’s Law, New Jersey now requires middle schools to teach civics, named for Laura Wooten, who served as a poll worker for 79 consecutive years. Governor Murphy said, “By deepening civics instruction in our schools, we give students the tools they need to be engaged and informed citizens”.
Governor Murphy stresses both structural changes as well as education in boosting youth participation in public affairs. When signing the New Voter Empowerment Act, Governor Murphy said, “To strengthen our democracy, we must ensure that all eligible voters can participate. The decisions we make today impact future generations, and I am proud to sign legislation that expands access to the ballot box while engaging and empowering a new generation of voters.”
Practical Advice for Young Activists
Q: As someone deeply interested in public policy, I want to help encourage my peers, especially those feeling disconnected, to become more politically active. What advice do you have for young activists like me who want to create meaningful change, and what steps can we take to make sure policymakers listen to our voices?
Governor Murphy: “Beyond national politics, there are countless opportunities to get involved at the local, county, and state levels. City councils, school boards, and zoning committees may not always make headlines, but they wield significant power in shaping your day-to-day lives. One of the most effective ways to start making an impact is by participating in town hall meetings or volunteering for local campaigns. You don’t have to wait to have a formal title to create change.”
In 2024, Governor Murphy signed the Involve Our Youth Act, which permitted each public school student from grades 6 through 12 to have one excused absence per school year to be used for a civic event. “Providing students the option to attend civic events throughout their academic careers creates an opportunity for our future leaders to become more engaged in our democracy and society,” said Governor Murphy. “These events will not only educate students outside of the classroom, but they have the potential to spark an interest in public service and community work. The next generations of changemakers are in New Jersey public schools, and it’s crucial that we offer every resource available to help them achieve their dreams.”
Aside from the state’s efforts under Governor Murphy, non-governmental initiatives also exist, such as the League of Women Voters of New Jersey’s high school internship program. Through the program, students assist with voter registration drives, participate in local council meetings, and gain access to workshops. In high schools across the state, mock elections, student-led voter registration drives, and civic clubs boost interest in civic engagement.
Conclusion
New Jersey is in a transitional period. Diversity and youth are changing its political and civic landscape. During his tenure, Governor Murphy’s administration has made obvious strides in ensuring all communities feel represented in New Jersey. Amol Sinha of the ACLU of New Jersey praises Governor Murphy’s “amplification of communities’ voices” and his focus on “grassroots input, not top-down solutions”.
Challenges remain. AAPI residents still face bias and discrimination, and youth turnout, though high in 2020, has proved hard to sustain. Addressing these issues will require continued collaboration among state leaders, schools, civic groups, and citizens.
Governor Murphy highlights the path forward: “At a time when our democracy is threatened, we must do everything we can to empower the next generation by instilling in them the value of civic engagement.” From annual Lunar New Year receptions at Drumthwacket to evolving youth voting rights, New Jersey emphasizes visibility for every culture and voice for every generation. In a state where diversity is woven into the fabric of society, ensuring that all residents — from first-generation immigrants to teen voters—participate fully is not only desirable but essential for a prospering and healthy democracy.
Sources:
[1] https://www.census.gov/library/stories/state-by-state/new-jersey.html
[3] https://www.lwv.org/blog/league-empowers-teens-through-youth-voter-registration-programs