Gilbert L. "Whip" Wilson (born March 17, 1947) is an American Democratic Party politician who has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2010. He represents the 5th legislative district. Wilson was Councilman-at-Large in Camden, New Jersey from 1997 to 2000 and from 2005 to 2010, when he was selected by party leaders to replace Donald Norcross in the Assembly.
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Wilson was born and raised in Camden, New Jersey, graduating from Camden High School in 1965. He served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1969, in a tour of duty including San Antonio, Texas, Little Rock, Arkansas, Thailand and Vietnam. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.[1]
Wilson joined the Camden Police Department after his discharge from the Air Force. While a police officer he continued his education at Camden County College and Glassboro State College (now Rowan University), graduating with a bachelor's degree in law and criminal justice. He served in the Police Department for more than 26 years, retiring as a lieutenant. He was the Commander of the Vice Unit and Supervisor of the First Community Policing Unit.[1]
Wilson was elected Councilman-at-Large of the Camden City Council in May 1997, serving until July 2001. He returned to the City Council in July 2005. On January 17, 2010, when Assemblyman Donald Norcross was selected by Camden County and Gloucester County Democrats to replace Dana Redd in the New Jersey Senate, Wilson was selected to fill the vacancy left by Norcross.[2] He was sworn into office on January 25, 2010.[3]
Each of the forty districts in the New Jersey Legislature has one representative in the New Jersey Senate and two members in the New Jersey General Assembly. The other representatives from the 5th District for the 2010-2011 Legislative Session are: