Two former U.S. senators, one Republican and one Democrat, stood side by side at Rowan University, urging students to go beyond party politics and embrace the value of public service.
Jeff Chiesa, a former U.S. senator for New Jersey who was appointed by Chris Christie during his time as governor, and George Helmy, appointed early last year as New Jersey senator by Gov. Phil Murphy, reflected on their brief tenure in the U.S. Senate in the latest installment of the Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship (RIPPAC) Speaker Series.
During the event, titled “A Conversation with Hon. Jeff Chiesa and Hon. George Helmy,” the two political figures shared lessons they learned about bipartisanship, ethics, and leadership in a divided political climate.
“I never thought he’d pick me,” said Chiesa. “My wife handed me that phone and said, ‘I told you so’. That was the moment I realized everything was about to change.”
Both Chiesa and Helmy described their appointments as unexpected, moments that came without warning but ultimately carried significant weight for their careers in public service. Each stated that the calls and conversations they followed not only reshaped their professional paths but also underscored the personal responsibility that comes with stepping into statewide office.
Helmy noted that his own appointment came just as unexpectedly.
“We were having dinner at Gov. Phil Murphy and his wife’s house when he said ‘No one knows what we’re fighting for better than you,’” said Helmy. “I told him, ‘I can’t tell you I have an interest in that. I have no interest in elected office.’ But that night, I knew what I had to do.”
Once in the Senate, both noted the importance of forming relationships with other members from across the aisle and the collegiality that can exist despite partisan divides. They said that building trust and engaging in dialogue often mattered as much as formal negotiations.
Rowan students in attendance said the event offered them a rare chance to witness firsthand how political careers are able to develop and how leaders work across party lines.
“These cents are just always such an incredible opportunity to meet people who matter in New Jersey politics,” said Molly Wagner, a 19-year-old psychology and law and justice double major. “It’s motivating to see what our futures could look like.”
The event also offered attendees a glimpse into the realities of state politics, but also highlighted the broadest lessons for students on how to take initiative and embrace new opportunities.
“It was encouraging to hear them say yes to opportunities even when they weren’t sure at first,” said Anna Cherian, a 20-year-old political science major. “You never know what doors will open or what networks you’ll build.”
For Cherian and her peers, the event offered them the value of being present and engaged with local state politics. Beyond the stories and advice from political leaders, it offered those who attended the chance to witness firsthand how dialogue, curiosity, and initiative can shape not just their careers but the broader landscape of civil life.
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