Margaret "Marge" Roukema (née Scafati; September 19, 1929 – November 12, 2014) was an American politician from the state of New Jersey. A Republican, Roukema served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1981 to 2003.
Marge Roukema | |
---|---|
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey | |
In office January 3, 1981 – January 3, 2003 | |
Preceded by | Andrew Maguire |
Succeeded by | Scott Garrett |
Constituency | 7th district (1981–1983)[1] 5th district (1983–2003)[1] |
Personal details | |
Born | Margaret Scafati September 19, 1929 Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
Died | November 12, 2014 Wyckoff, New Jersey, U.S. | (aged 85)
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Richard Roukema |
Education | Montclair State University (BA) |
Roukema was born Margaret Scafati on September 19, 1929 in Newark, New Jersey. She was the daughter of Claude and Margaret Scafati. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science from Montclair State College in 1951, and she also did graduate work at Montclair State. In addition, she took graduate courses in city and regional planning at Rutgers University.[2]
Roukema began her career as a high school American history teacher in Ridgewood, New Jersey.[3] She also served as a member of the Ridgewood School Board from 1970 to 1973.[2]
In 1978, Roukema ran for Congress against incumbent Democratic Congressman Andrew Maguire, losing by approximately 9,000 votes. In 1980, Roukema challenged Maguire again and won; her campaign was helped by successful Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan's presence at the top of the ticket. She was re-elected 11 times without facing serious Democratic opposition.[2]
Roukema was a moderate Republican[4] known for her staunch support for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).[5] During her congressional career, she represented New Jersey's 7th and 5th congressional districts, respectively.[1] In 1992, she faced a primary challenge from three other Republicans and prevailed.[6] In 1998, conservative Republican State Assemblyman Scott Garrett, challenged her in the Republican primary. Roukema managed to fight him off, and did so again in 2000.[5]
With the prospect of another primary challenge from Garrett in 2002 (in a district made even more conservative on paper by redistricting), as well as facing the loss of her subcommittee chairs due to caucus term limits, the Ridgewood Republican opted not to seek a 12th term and retired from politics.[7] Despite Roukema's refusal to endorse him,[8][9] Garrett was elected as her successor.[5] She left office in 2003.[2] At the time of her retirement, Roukema was the longest-tenured female member of Congress.[10]
Roukema was married to psychiatrist Richard W. Roukema. The Roukemas had three children: Greg, Todd, and Meg. Todd Roukema died of leukemia in October 1976.[2]
On November 12, 2014, Roukema died in Wyckoff, New Jersey at the age of 85. She had Alzheimer's disease.[5]