Senate panel OKs doctor to lead NJ human services department

Dr. Stephen Cha, a primary care doctor who has worked for Medicaid at the federal level, is Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s pick to be the next human services commissioner.

By: Lilo H. Stainton

Outlets: New Jersey Monitor

Published: February 19, 2026

Words: 766

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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State lawmakers advanced Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s pick to lead New Jersey’s largest and most costly government department, an agency tasked with responding to massive federal policy changes around Medicaid and other social service programs.

On Thursday, the state Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved Dr. Stephen Cha as commissioner of the Department of Human Services, which has more than 7,000 employees and a $33.5 billion budget this year. The department oversees NJ …

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