Linda Stender is running for Congress because she believes the Bush Administration has led our country in the wrong direction. We need real change to get our country back on the right track. In Washington, Linda will fight for the people of New Jersey's 7th District and make sure our voices are heard.

Her whole life, Linda Stender has fought for change. She believes the role of government is to serve people, support families and strengthen our communities. Linda first got involved in public service when the Fanwood Borough Council was putting special interests before the needs of the people. So, Linda ran for office herself to reform local government and help her neighbors. And she won. Linda went on to become Mayor of her hometown and Freeholder of her county.

Today, Linda is proudly serving her fourth term in the New Jersey General Assembly representing her neighbors in the 22nd Legislative District. In just six short years in the Assembly, Linda has translated her commitment to making a difference in the lives of New Jersey’s working families into serious legislative accomplishments. She is Vice Chairwoman of the Transportation and Public Works Committee and is also a member of both the Health and Senior Services Committee and the Tourism and Gaming Committee. Linda continues to distinguish herself as a strong, compassionate leader earning the respect of her colleagues and the continued support of her constituents.

In the state legislature, Linda spearheaded the effort to combat Global Warming. Her legislation, “the Global Warming Response Act” made New Jersey the first state in the nation to establish mandatory reductions of green house gas emissions by 2050. Linda Stender is also one of New Jersey’s strongest advocates for making our state a national leader for stem cell research. She is working hard to support scientists in their bid to unlock cures for diseases that harm our loves ones – such as Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, diabetes and cancer. Linda is unequivocally pro-choice because she trusts women. She has been a leader on this issue at the state level and will work to protect women’s rights at the federal level.

Linda has been at the forefront of helping to keep New Jersey affordable. She supports a citizen’s tax convention that will lead to real property tax reform. Linda also worked tirelessly for fair school funding so our children have the best opportunity to go as far as their dreams and hard work will take them. Continuing her commitment to serve those who serve the public, Linda sponsored legislation to create a low-interest mortgage loan program in the NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency for volunteer firefighters, as well as emergency medical and rescue squads.

As a Freeholder, Linda led the movement to create Union County's Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. She also initiated the county’s largest-ever tree replacement project, and started the Clean and Green Program to improve the appearance of county property.

As a young girl, Linda learned the value of hard work from her parents. Her first job – at the age of seven – was selling strawberries at a road-side stand. Her father, Ken, was a manufacturer’s representative, and her mother, Shirley, started a flower shop which is still operating today. Throughout high school and college, Linda worked as a waitress, retail clerk and in her mom’s flower shop. Linda earned a bachelor's degree at The American University in Washington, D.C.

In 2006, Linda was the Democratic candidate for Congress in New Jersey's 7th Congressional district. In one of the closest races in the nation, Linda came within 1% of defeating incumbent Republican Congressman Mike Ferguson.

Linda Stender is a life-long resident of Fanwood, New Jersey. Today, she and her husband, Richard, live just one block away from the house where she grew up as a child. They’ve been married for 32 years and have three children and one grandchild.