16 Facts About Celeste Riley

Celeste Riley previously served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2009 to 2015, where she represented the 3rd legislative district.

Celeste Riley graduated from Cumberland Regional High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from La Salle University and a Master's degree from Drexel University in arts administration.

Celeste Riley later attended Cumberland County College where she received qualifications to teach computer technology.

Celeste Riley taught for the Greenwich-Stow Creek Partnership Schools in Greenwich Township from 2001 to 2014.

Celeste Riley is a resident of Bridgeton, and is a member of the parish of The Holy Cross where she cantors.

Celeste Riley is a member of Soroptimists International of Cumberland County, an organization devoted to fundraising for various woman's issues and scholarships.

Celeste Riley has two daughters from her first marriage, she is married to Richard Dawson and has three stepdaughters.

Celeste Riley was chosen among a special convention of Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem county Democrats to replace him in the Assembly.

Celeste Riley was sworn in on March 19,2009 becoming the first woman to represent the district.

Celeste Riley sponsored legislation that tightens restrictions on repeat domestic violence offenders by raising bail requirements.

Celeste Riley sponsored A1561, which creates a diversionary program designed to educate teens on the dangers of "sexting" instead of automatically criminalizing the behavior.

Celeste Riley sponsored legislation such as, A-3063 and A-3064 that would enhance the State's farm winery industry and could bring more tourism to the area.

John J Burzichelli and Riley won re-election, defeating DiCicco and his running mate Bob Villare DiCicco's loss made his seat the only gain by the Democrats in the Assembly in the 2011 election cycle.

In 2014, Celeste Riley challenged incumbent Republican Cumberland County Clerk Gloria Noto, a position she held for 20 years.

Celeste Riley won the race defeating Noto by two percentage points.

Celeste Riley is currently serving her second 5-year term.