Election 2025: Interview with Assemblywoman Aura Dunn Who is Running for Re-Election in Legislative District 25 - Part 2

by TapInto

MORRISTOWN, NJ - This is TAPinto's interview of Aura Dunn who is running for re-election for Legislative District 25 of the NJ State General Assembly.

TAPinto Morristown: Do you have a favorite story from helping a resident out with a problem?

Assemblywoman Dunn: This may be the hardest question to answer because there are just so many stories. I still carry with me the most heartbreaking and heartwarming moments from my time serving as District Director for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. If I had to pick just one, it would be about a little girl whose moms I helped cut through a quagmire of health insurance denials so she could finally get the therapy she needed to walk. I still think of her often and picture her playing alongside her peers, just as every child should.

TAPinto Morristown: Overdevelopment is a big concern for residents throughout the area. What is your position on this and what can be done to help keep suburban areas, suburban?

Assemblywoman Dunn: Overdevelopment is one of the biggest concerns I hear from residents across our district. Owning a home is still the American Dream, but the way Trenton has approached affordable housing has been heavy-handed and shortsighted. Instead of family-focused and community-driven solutions like the Habitat for Humanity model or other innovative approaches that diversify options, the state has forced a one-size-fits-all mandate that pressures towns to build “up,” straining infrastructure and destroying the character of our suburban communities.

What makes it worse is Governor Murphy’s raid of the affordable housing trust fund, which stripped away resources that could have helped towns pursue real, responsible solutions. I believe in protecting the suburban way of life while also supporting thoughtful, affordable housing strategies that actually work for the people who live here.

TAPinto Morristown: We hear a lot from residents about safety and how alarming it is for them to hear about car thefts and break ins. What do you think can be done to keep our neighborhoods safe?

Assemblywoman Dunn: I believe we need to take a two-fold approach. First, enforcement. Tightening the laws so that criminals, especially the adults who lead these crime sprees and prey on young people to avoid jail time, are held accountable. There must be consequences that deter repeat offenses.

At the same time, I have made it a priority to focus on prevention. That means investing in opportunities for young people, addressing the root causes that make crime appealing in the first place. When you pair accountability with prevention, you give our neighborhoods both immediate protection and long-term safety.

TAPinto Morristown: What are you most excited about in 2026?

Assemblywoman Dunn: I am most excited about returning to office and continuing the work of the people, the work I truly love. I am the daughter of a Marine and a mom who, with only a high school diploma, became an electrical apprentice to support my sisters and me. Their grit and sacrifice shaped my belief that government should work just as hard for families as families work for each other. That’s why I’m running: to build a government people can believe in and trust. And in 2026, my goal is to cut through the noise and red tape in Trenton and deliver real solutions that lower costs, protect our communities, and keep New Jersey a place where families want to stay and build their future.

TAPinto Morristown: What else would you like the residents of NJ to know about you?

Assemblywoman Dunn: That’s a fun question, so I’ll give you a fun answer. For someone who does very serious work, I’m actually pretty funny. Years ago, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and tried stand-up comedy. Let me tell you, getting people to laugh is hard work! But laughter is powerful — it’s the shortest distance between two people. It creates connection.

Growing up, my family didn’t always know where the next meal was coming from or when the heat would be turned back on. But we had each other, and we always found a way to make the best of a situation.

That belief in kindness, empathy, and connection has guided me throughout my life. Before I entered politics, I had the privilege of working for Sesame Workshop and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood — two organizations that taught generations of children what it means to be a good neighbor, to care for others, and to believe in themselves. Those lessons have stayed with me and shape how I approach public service every day.

Even in tough times, if we stay connected and keep our sense of humor, I truly believe we can get through anything together.