100" rankings of the most influential people statewide, and was ranked #4 by PolitickerNJ in their most recent annual ranking of the state's most powerful elected officials. Institutional Investor Magazine ranked Sweeney #12 nationwide on their "2017 Political Pension Power 25" list, ahead of figures such as financier Paul Singer and AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. In March 2022, Rowan University announced the formation of the Steve Sweeney Center for Public Policy in their College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Sweeney is actively involved in a variety of local service and non-profit organizations and has received numerous accolades from business leaders, volunteer organizations, labor advocates, environmentalists and other important organizations from around New Jersey. He is especially committed to supporting and advocating for those with developmental disabilities—Sweeney's daughter, Lauren, was born prematurely with Down syndrome. Sweeney often credits his daughter with prompting his entry in to politics. Sweeney's awards include the Outstanding State Legislator Award from the NJ Veterans of Foreign Wars and the "Legislator of the Year" Award from the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce (2011). Personal life Sweeney and his wife, Patti, were married in 1986. They live in West Deptford Township, New Jersey, and have two children, Stephen and Lauren. Electoral history 2021 In 2021, Sweeney was defeated in a massive upset by Edward Durr, a Republican truck driver who had never held elected office. Durr spent less than $2,300 on his campaign, while Sweeney spent approximately $305,000. 2017 Sweeney was widely viewed as a top contender for the 2017 gubernatorial election to succeed Governor Chris Christie. On October 6, 2016, however, Sweeney announced that he would not seek the Democratic nomination for governor in 2017. Sweeney won re-election to a sixth term in 2017, defeating Salem County Republican Chairman Fran Grenier in the largest electoral victory of his career (59%–41%). As of 2017, the election was one of the most expensive state legislative races in U.S. history. Due to prior conflicts with Sweeney, the New Jersey Education Association, which typically backs Democratic candidates, controversially endorsed Grenier and spent millions of dollars in attack ads against Sweeney. 2013 In the state's most expensive Senate race of the 2013 cycle, Sweeney defeated Republican attorney Niki Trunk 55%–45% 2011 Sweeney won re-election to a fourth term defeating Michael Mulligan 56%–44%. 2007 Sweeney won re-election to a third term defeating Mark Cimino 57%–40%. 2003 Sweeney won re-election to a second