NEWARK - Animated, engaged, going from hand to hand in the union hall here to make connections with allies, state Senator M. Teresa Ruiz (D-29) serves as a key ally and surrogate for Mikie Sherrill.

First elected to the Legislature in 2007, Senator Ruiz has strong party organization roots in the North Ward of Newark, her hometown, and in Essex County.

She told InsiderNJ:

"This is the most important election that we've ever had. I never used that language. I'm using it now. New Jersey has to insulate itself from the overreach of the federal government."

She also had more to say on the subject of remarks Republican Jack Ciattarelli made about a private conversation he had with President Donald J. Trump.

The (FULL!) InsiderNJ Interview with Senator Ruiz HERE: