Chigozie Onyema: The emergence of a youthful lawmaker.

From the time Umuaka Times made the breaking news on Wednesday last week on the electoral victory of Attorney Chigozie Onyema, congratulatory messages and celebrations have continued to flood several whatsapp groups in Umuaka and across the world in appreciation of his victory. It can be recalled that Umuaka Times has made several reports during the buildup of the election where the newspaper promoted the candidacy of Onyema. About 24 hours after the announcement was made, it became official that Uba Umuaka born Chigozie Onyema won the November 4, 2025 House of Assembly election to represent “some parts of Newark, the Essex County towns of Irvington, Maplewood, and South Orange, and the Union County town of Hillside.”

Onyema, an attorney, will replace Garnet R. Hall, the outgoing Democratic assemblywoman for New Jersey’s 28th Legislative District. She was sworn into the General Assembly in 2024 and now serves on the Consumer Affairs, Environment and Natural Resources and Solid Waste, and Labor committees .

Highly dependable voices from the Democratic Party last week, disclosed to Umuaka Times that before running for the assembly, Hall worked as Essex County’s Deputy Clerk, where she also served as a licensed passport agent, notary and ordained minister performing wedding ceremonies. She’s been active in local politics for more than a decade, currently serving as Vice Chair of the Maplewood Democratic Committee and as a longtime member of the Essex County Democratic organization.

During her time, Hall is known to have sponsored over 370 bills to date, ranging from the “Climate Superfund Act” to measures supporting workers’ rights, LGBTQIA+ equality, and affordable housing programs.  Considering his backgrounds and previous activities, many political observers and Democrats in the state of New Jersey seriously expect Onyema to surpass the records of Garnet Hall.

Umuaka Times correspondents in America reliably gathered that Onyema pulled 4858 votes to climb to the exalted office. He had no opponent in the election. No reason was established for this but Umuaka Times believes that it was possible because the state of New Jersey is a stronghold for the Democratic Party.

Last week victory in New Jersey was not for Onyema alone; New Jersey governor-elect Mikie Sherrill also made history Tuesday night, by becoming the first Democratic woman to lead the Garden State after beating her Republican challenger, Jack Ciattarelli. US president Donald Trump fully endorsed the candidacy of Jack Ciattarelli during her campaign days.

Sherrill who is 53 years old, is a four term U.S. representative, a former navy helicopter pilot and a former federal prosecutor . Her victory also marks the second time a woman will occupy New Jersey’s governor’s mansion, following the state’s first female governor.

Last week, a picture of the governor-elect with the mother of Chigozie Onyema, Mrs Eziada Caroline Onyema in a warm embrace went viral on the internet as both women celebrated on their victories.

For those who have no previous information on Onyema, he is an energetic workaholic who had previously worked as an assistant commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs under the late Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver. He lost a Newark Council runoff election in 2022 to a candidate backed by Baraka. Chigozie Onyema, an Uba Umuaka born attorney has built a career around expanding democracy and equity. His work aims to make democratic principles inclusive both in the public sphere and in everyday relationships. In his professional career, Onyema had worked as a Senior Director, Sustainable Cities, PolicyLink oversees programs in 25 U.S. cities that pursue climate resilient growth and address racial wealth gaps. He has also worked as an Assistant Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs – Under Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver. He led economic justice initiatives and evaluated state and federal legislation for the department.
New Jersey governor-elect Mikie  Sherrill and the mother of Chigozie Onyema, Caroline in a warm embrace.

The intimidating CV of Onyema will not be complete without mentioning his time as a Staff Attorney, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice where he focused on removing employment barriers for people with criminal convictions.

On leadership and advocacy programs, Attorney Chigozie Onyema has worked as a co-chair at Newart West Ward Democratic Committee, board member, MEND Hunger Relief Network, steering committee member, Ivy Hill Neighborhood Association and member, Governor Phil Murphy’s transition team. He had in the past been recognized by the National Bar Association’s “40 Under 40” and NYU Law Alumni of Colour Association.

Onyema’s political slogan which says “to fight for the New Jersey that works for everyone” captures his lifelong commitment. His oratory, often compared to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., continues to inspire those around him both in private and public capacities.
Chigozie Onyema has the following academic honors dangling on his neck; J.D. NYU School of Law, B.A. Howard University, associate degree, Essex County College and a high school diploma, Columbia High School.