Laura Bustamante, is a dedicated professional with a strong commitment to public service, demonstrated through her extensive experience in political campaigns, strategic consulting, and grassroots organizing. As the Deputy State Director and Political Director for the U.S Senator Andy Kim she has quickly established herself as one of the Garden State’s most influential political operatives. In her current role as Deputy State Director she leads strategic engagement on behalf of the Senator, oversees a dynamic team, and grounds her work in bringing government to communities. As the Senator’s Political Director she was credited for being an instrumental part of helping Senator Kim secure his historic election victory in November 2024 by building a people-powered movement across the state.  The Colombian native has compiled an impressive record of successful campaigns, including victories for Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Jersey City Councilman James Solomon, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh, and Dover Councilwomen Karol Ruiz. Before joining Senator Kim’s team, she served as Vice President at Tonio Burgos & Associates, one of New Jersey’s most influential lobbying firms. Bustamante’s political acumen and community impact have earned her significant recognition. She was recently ranked No. 10 on the 2024 LGBTQ+ OUT 100 Power List, shortly after being recognized as a rising star in 2022 on Insider NJ’s LGBTQ+ Power List. Her commitment to expanding political participation across overlooked communities is evident in her work with the Union County Democratic Committee, where she helped organize and improve Latino voter turnout for a fast-growing and increasingly powerful voter demographic as well as the LGBTQ+ community where she has served on the Board of Garden State Equality and was on the Steering Committee of Latino Action Network. Laura holds a Master of Public Administration & Public Policy and a Master of Science in Protection Management from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, along with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science & National Security from New Jersey City University.