Profile

Congresswoman Nellie Pou – U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District

Nellie Pou serves as the U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District, a position she assumed on January 3, 2025. She was elected in November 2024 to succeed the late Congressman Bill Pascrell. With this election, she became the first Latina to represent New Jersey in Congress.

District Overview

The 9th Congressional District includes northeastern New Jersey communities such as Paterson, Passaic, Clifton, and parts of Bergen and Hudson counties. The district is one of the most diverse in the state, with a significant Hispanic population and a longstanding Democratic voting history.

Early Life and Education

Nellie Pou was born on May 20, 1956, in Paterson, New Jersey, to Puerto Rican parents who moved to the mainland United States in the early 1950s. She graduated from Paterson Public Schools and pursued studies in business administration at Kean University, Rutgers University, and the University of Virginia.

Local Government and Community Leadership

Before entering state and national politics, Pou worked for more than 40 years in local government in the City of Paterson. She served in various administrative roles, including Director of Human Services, Assistant Business Administrator, and Business Administrator. In these positions, she oversaw departments related to social services, youth programs, and municipal operations. Pou has also served on state commissions focused on child abuse prevention and health services.

New Jersey General Assembly (1997–2012)

Pou began her legislative career in 1997 when she was appointed to the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 35th Legislative District. She was the first woman and first Latina to represent the district. During her time in the Assembly, she held several leadership roles, including Deputy Speaker, Assistant Minority Leader, and Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

New Jersey State Senate (2012–2025)

In 2011, Pou was elected to the New Jersey State Senate. She served for over a decade, including as Chair of the Commerce Committee and Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee. She also held the position of Majority Caucus Chair in her final years in the Senate. Throughout her legislative tenure, she focused on economic development, social justice, education, and healthcare access.

Pou also chaired the New Jersey Legislative Latino Caucus for many years and was elected President of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators from 2022 to 2023.

Election to Congress (2024)

Following the death of Congressman Bill Pascrell in mid-2024, Pou was selected by Democratic Party officials to replace him on the November ballot. She won the general election narrowly, defeating Republican challenger Billy Prempeh. Her election marked a historic milestone for Latina representation in New Jersey politics.

Congressional Service and Policy Focus

In the U.S. House of Representatives, Pou serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee. Her subcommittee assignments include aviation, highway infrastructure, water resources, and counterterrorism.

Her legislative priorities include:

Expanding access to affordable healthcare and prescription drugs
Investing in infrastructure and transit
Promoting economic opportunity for working families
Addressing public safety and criminal justice reform
Supporting small businesses and minority entrepreneurs
Advocating for civil rights and voting access

She is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the New Democrat Coalition.

Personal Life

Congresswoman Pou lives in North Haledon, New Jersey. She is married to Richard Freid and has two children. Pou remains deeply connected to her hometown of Paterson and is recognized for her long-standing commitment to community service and public leadership.