Jeremiah Walker (born February 5, 1971) is an American politician, nonprofit executive, and former professional basketball player who has represented the 31st Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly since taking office in January 2026. Elected in 2025, he previously served on the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners.
Early life and education A native of Jersey City, New Jersey, Walker was raised in the Marion Section and graduated from St. Anthony High School where he was coached by Bob Hurley. He attended Seton Hall University and played for the men's basketball team, leading them to three NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament appearances in all three of his seasons, including to the West Regional Final in 1992. He was a part of two Big East Conference tournaments and regular season championships. Known for his defensive intensity, he scored over 1,000 points and pulled down 630 rebounds. He was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 1993 and a two-time All-Big East selection.
He returned to Seton Hall and earned a Bachelor of Arts majoring in communications and minoring in religion studies in 2003.
Career Basketball In 1993, Walker joined the New Jersey Nets then the Atlantic City Seagulls and later played professional basketball for several European teams.
Nonprofit work In 1996, Walker and his brother Jasper co-founded Team Walker, a nonprofit focused on inner city children's academic enrichment. In 2011, First Lady of New Jersey Mary Pat Christie honored Walker by naming him a "New Jersey Hero" for his work.
In 2014, The Team Walker Learning Center was built as a community arts center and expanded programming to the entire Hudson County community. Walker also hosts a free Farmers Market for families in District 3 and free G.E.D or ESL classes at the Learning Center.
2013 Jersey City mayoral campaign In 2013, he ran for mayor of Jersey City as an independent. He placed third with 8.30% of the vote.
Hudson County Board of Commissioners In 2018, Walker was elected to the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders (renamed the Board of Commissioners in 2020). His primary campaign was supported by the Hudson County Democratic Organization political machine.
2024 congressional campaign
Following the death of Donald Payne Jr. death in 2024, Walker announced he would run in the special election to succeed him. He received endorsements from assemblymembers Barbara McCann Stamato and William Sampson. He also received support from Craig Guy, the Hudson County Executive and chair of the Hudson County Democratic Party— which opted not to endorse in the primary.
He placed third in the Democratic primary election with 9.7% of the vote, behind LaMonica McIver's 47.4% and Derek Armstead's 13.6% respectively.
New Jersey General Assembly In 2025, Walker announced he would run for the New Jersey General Assembly in the 31st Legislative District after initially mulling a campaign for the 2025 Jersey City mayoral election. He garnered endorsements from governor Phil Murphy and U.S. representative LaMonica McIver in the primary election. With the support of the Hudson County Democratic Organization, he placed first in the Democratic primary election, advancing to the general election alongside incumbent William Sampson as well as defeating incumbent Barbara McCann Stamato and Bayonne councilmember Jacqueline Weimmer, who were supported by Jersey City mayor Steven Fulop.Fox, Joey. "Sampson, Walker win in LD31; Party-backed ticket won close primary in southern Hudson County district", New Jersey Globe, November 4, 2025. Accessed January 14, 2026. "Assemblyman William Sampson (D-Bayonne) and Hudson County Commissioner Jerry Walker (D-Jersey City) have won two seats in the 31st legislative district, the New Jersey Globe projects, after getting through a competitive Democratic primary against allies of Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop.... This year's Hudson County War, however, threw things out of whack. Sampson stuck with the Hudson County Democratic organization (HCDO), which endorsed Mikie Sherrill for governor, but McCann Stamato remained loyal to Fulop, creating a split in the delegation; the HCDO recruited Walker to beat McCann Stamato, who was joined on her own ticket by Bayonne Councilwoman Jacqueline Weimmer."Official List Candidates for General Assembly for Primary Election 06/10/2025 Election, New Jersey Department of State, updated July 17, 2025. Accessed January 14, 2026.
Personal life Walker is married to his wife, ShaRhonda, with whom he has a son, Chace, and two daughters, Rochelle and Shannon.
Electoral history 2013
2024
2025
References
External links Assemblyman Jerry Walker (D), New Jersey Legislature