About Michael Roth

New Jersey Born and Raised

“Everything is better in New Jersey.” That was Michael’s family motto growing up. And, it was true. Michael’s grandparents arrived in New Jersey after surviving the Holocaust and opened a small tailor shop in Newark. His father later turned that shop into a sneaker store, placing an Air Jordan in the window. That Air Jordan moved Michael to the Jersey suburbs and began his lifelong dedication to creating economic opportunity for everyone. New Jersey is where Michael received a tremendous public school education. It’s where he learned about service and community, riding along as his father ran the Volunteer First Aid Squad in his hometown, something he continues today. Michael’s deep roots in New Jersey have shaped his values, work ethic, and belief that everything is better in New Jersey.

"Get Stuff Done" Democrat

Michael has a track record of delivering results as a public servant. In 2021, during the largest crisis for small businesses in US history, Michael played a critical leadership role in the US Small Business Administration after the transition from Trump. Michael shook up the government to make sure that communities, businesses, and workers were able to stay afloat during the worst moments of the pandemic. Right here in NJ-7, he delivered support for over 3,000 small businesses and kept more than 120,000 people employed — in just the first two weeks. Michael made sure the government worked for real people at a time when it mattered most.

Leader on the Economy

Michael has spent his career growing economies in the private sector. As Co-CEO of Next Street, he has partnered with more than 30 communities across the country — red states and blue — to build the future visions of their economies and ensure small businesses and workers are driving that growth. He has grown the company to more than 100 people and converted it to employee-owned because companies are only as good as their people.

Building Hope

In this time of division and despair, we need more than ever to have hope, and to believe that better is possible. Michael has shown the vision to overcome deep divisions and to solve big problems. Michael co-founded the Economic Opportunity Coalition, bringing together a public-private partnership of Fortune 100 companies and a bipartisan group of 26 U.S. Senators (13 Republicans, 13 Democrats) to commit $12 billion to small businesses and housing affordability. Knowing that there is a better way in this moment, Michael knows how to lead people to act decisively to get our largest public institutions to work for New Jersey.

Family and Community Man

Michael is a proud Uncle (“Umica” as they call him) to five nieces and nephews growing up in New Jersey. Some of his favorite memories include tailgating for Jets games with his family and friends with their 1992 Jets RV, making room for everyone regardless of disagreements or differences. That’s the New Jersey he’s fighting for: a place where community comes first, and no one is left behind. He doesn’t just talk about values — he lives them.