Assembly GOP Members Recognized For Championing Conservative Values
Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia and Assemblyman Paul Kanitra are recipients of the New Jersey Family Policy Center’s legislative award for championing legislation protecting conservative values. The Republican lawmakers are the only two legislators recognized at the organization’s “A Time to Stand” event on Friday featuring President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary Pete Hegseth.
"The more people in Trenton show that they have lost their moral compass, the more I feel compelled to push back to protect our most vulnerable", said Fantasia (R-Sussex). "I am a proud, outspoken advocate for our families, our faith, and our freedoms. This award highlights the values I share with the Family Policy Center, the principles that guide my public service, and my commitment to the well-being of every resident. I am truly honored to serve the people of the 24th Legislative District and to receive this recognition."
Since joining the Assembly in January 2024, Fantasia has openly opposed the Murphy administration’s attack on crisis pregnancy centers and legislation that exposes schoolchildren to explicit reading materials and increases a minor’s access to abortions by non-medical professionals. She and Assemblyman Kanitra also sponsor the "Fairness in Women's Sport Act" that bases participation in school-sanctioned sports on biological sex.
Kanitra has also spoken out against board of education appointees who support allowing biological males to play in female sports and technical language changes in legislation that eliminates “women” in favor of gender-neutral nouns.
“I refuse to sit down while far-left politicians attack the very fabric of this nation and attempt to belittle the people I love and the freedoms I cherish,” Kanitra (R-Ocean) said. “I think many people in this nation feel the same, as evidenced by President Trump’s landslide victory, and there is hope for a future that reflects the importance of family and honors constitutional rights. I am grateful to have the cooperation and support of organizations like Family Policy Center to advance legislation that makes New Jersey safer and the government more accountable. As a freshman lawmaker, there is still much work to be done, but this award confirms we are moving in the right direction.”
Kanitra has introduced bills targeting the rise in crime throughout the state, and chaos at the shore. He has proposed protecting life and property by increasing certain penalties and requiring law enforcement to cooperate with federal officials.
New Jersey Family Policy Center is part of a national alliance of conservative organizations that promote religious freedom, families and the right to life. It also lends its support to elect pro-family candidates.
Photo credit: Assembly Republican Office/Jennifer Peacock.
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