TRENTON - The New Jersey Assembly has chosen new leaders.
Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver of East Orange will become the first African-American woman to be Assembly speaker when the Legislature reconvenes in January.
She succeeds Joe Roberts, who is stepping down.
Assemblyman Joe Cryan of Union will become majority leader in the Assembly, succeeding Bonnie Watson Coleman.
The Democratic majority in the Senate is also choosing new leaders today.
South Jersey Sen. Steve Sweeney is expected to beat out Sen. Dick Codey of Essex County for the most powerful post there.
The leaders will determine which bills get voted on after Gov.-elect Chris Christie takes office in January.
Christie is a Republican. Democrats control both houses of the Legislature.
