Nellie PouServing

Nellie Pou

U.S. HouseDemocrat

NJ-CD-9 U.S. House

Age 69·Puerto Rican·U.S. Representative NJ-9 (2025-present)

Why This Race Matters

Nellie Pou is running against Samuel Buccola (D, challenger) in primary; Tiffany Burress (R) and Rosemary Pino (R) in general election.

NJ-9 flipped to Trump in 2024 by 1.2 points after Biden carried it by 20 points in 2020, making Pou one of the most vulnerable House Democrats. As the first Latina in Congress from New Jersey, her re-election is critical for Latino representation. Republicans have put this seat on their initial target list for 2026.

Won 2024 race by 4.9 points (50.8% to 45.9%) against Billy Prempeh after being selected as last-minute replacement following Rep. Bill Pascrell's death in August 2024. Facing primary challenge from Samuel Buccola and general election challenge from Tiffany Burress, wife of former NFL player Plaxico Burress, who has received unanimous backing from local GOP chairs. Pou has $1.3M cash on hand heading into 2026.

Key dates to watch: Primary on June 2, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Nellie Pou is the first Latina elected to Congress from New Jersey, representing the 9th Congressional District since January 2025. Born and raised in Paterson, she is the daughter of Puerto Rican immigrants who came to New Jersey in 1953. She served for over 25 years in the New Jersey Legislature, first in the State Assembly (1997-2012) and then the State Senate (2012-2025), where she chaired the Legislative Latino Caucus and became the first New Jersey legislator to serve as President of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators.

Family & Heritage

Second-generation Puerto Rican-American. Her parents immigrated from Puerto Rico to New Jersey in 1953 to start their lives and raise a family. Her father worked for the City of Paterson while her mother maintained the household. Nellie is a mother and grandmother.

Political Career

Before Politics

Director of Human Services for City of Paterson (1986-1997); Business Administrator for City of Paterson (2014-2018); Assistant Business Administrator (2003-2014, 1997-1998); CETA Training and Education Coordinator (1975-1983)

Education

Kean University (Kean College of New Jersey); Rutgers University; University of Virginia (Business Administration)

Key Issues & Priorities

*Improving public education
*Affordable healthcare access
*Criminal justice reform
*Reducing cost of living
*Protecting Social Security and Medicare
*Affordable housing initiatives
*Funding police and firefighters
*Strengthening democracy

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