Top 50 non-elected power brokers in New Jersey

1. Matt Platkin
   Attorney General
   Platkin has emerged as one of the most decisive figures in New Jersey politics, known for his independence and courage. His high-profile indictment of South Jersey powerbroker George Norcross III and refusal to defend outdated ballot statutes signal a new era of accountability.
2. Fran Ehret
   CWA State Director
   Leading a union of over 70,000 working families, Ehret is a force to be reckoned with in labor politics. Her ability to mobilize statewide resources makes her a key player in New Jersey’s political landscape. She will be essential to whoever wins the Gov. Nomination in 2025.
3. Marcia Marley
   President, BlueWaveNJ
   A stalwart of progressive politics, Marley has deep influence in voter mobilization efforts. Her commitment to social justice and equity drives her work across the state. The presumptive Democratic nominee for governor will need her to mobilize and push NJ twords the left.
4. Sean Spiller
   President, NJEA
   Spiller is not only a champion for educators but also a gubernatorial contender for 2025. His strategic investments in key campaigns show his aptitude for leadership beyond the classroom. Also, having a $30M war chest from the NJEA is nothing to scoff at.
5. George Norcross III
   South Jersey Powerbroker
   Despite facing legal battles, Norcross remains one of the most influential figures in South Jersey politics. His ability to navigate challenges keeps him relevant in the state’s power dynamics. If he can survive, he will have a list longer than Bob Menendez.
6. Greg Lalevee
   Business Manager, IUOE Local 825
   Lalevee is a pivotal figure in labor politics, using infrastructure projects to secure benefits for union workers. His political connections make him a key voice for blue-collar families.
7. An unarmed Former New Jersey State Sentor
   Future U.S. Attorney
   Trump is poised to choose either Michael Testa Jr. of Cumberland County or Douglas Steinhardt of Warren County for U.S. Attorney from New Jersey. They will likely lead Trump’s revenge tour throughout the state.
8. Patricia Campos-Medina
   Labor and Immigration Policy Expert
   A nationally recognized leader, Campos-Medina advocates for worker justice and collective bargaining. Her influence extends from New Jersey to the national stage.
9. Yael Bromberg
   Lawyer
   Bromberg is a leading voice in election law and voting rights, ensuring that democracy works for all citizens. Her work has a significant impact on voter access.
10. Leroy Jones
    Chairman, Democratic State Committee
    While his influence has waned due to 2024 election results, Jones remains a key architect of the Democratic strategy heading into the 2025 gubernatorial contest.
11. Bill Castner
    Attorney, Connell Foley LLP
    Castner is the go-to advisor on legislative policy and political strategy. His expertise spans decades and includes work with governors and legislators.
12. Leila Sadeghi
    Scorpion Consulting, LLC
    A dynamic fundraiser, Sadeghi has successfully blended grassroots activism with high-level strategy. Her reach extends beyond New Jersey.
13. Jack Ciattarelli
    Republican Candidate for Governor 2025
    A pragmatic and relatable leader, Ciattarelli remains the GOP’s best hope to appeal to suburban voters in a competitive 2025 election.
14. Michele Siekerka
    President and CEO, NJBIA
    Siekerka advocates tirelessly for business growth and economic reform, ensuring that New Jersey remains competitive.
15. Iris Delgado
    Middlesex County Democratic Chair
    Delgado’s rising star status is a testament to her organizational skills and ability to connect with Hispanic communities across the state. She will be heavily leaned on in 2025 by whoever wins the Democratic gubernatorial primary.
16. Steve Sweeney
    Democratic Candidate for Governor 2025
    A former Senate president, Sweeney represents New Jersey’s blue-collar voters and is a key figure in the Democratic Party’s future.
17. Adam Malamut
    Managing Partner, Malamut and Associates
    Known for his bipartisan ties, Malamut is a trusted figure in both legal and political circles.
18. Trish Zita
    The Zita Group
    A leader in government affairs, Zita champions social justice issues and fosters critical legislative relationships.
19. Victor Herlinsky
    Attorney, Sills Cummis and Gross
    With a focus on redevelopment and government relations, Herlinsky is a critical player in shaping New Jersey’s future.
20. Andre Speight
    Chairman, Newark Central Ward
    Speight’s influence in Newark politics is unmatched, making him a significant force in local elections and statewide strategy.
21. Briana Vannozzi
    Anchor, NJ Spotlight News
    Vannozzi carries forward a legacy of strong investigative journalism, shaping public understanding of critical state issues.
22. Al Gaburo
    Princeton Public Affairs Group
    A behind-the-scenes strategist, Gaburo plays a critical role in shaping legislative outcomes.
23. Tammy Murphy
    First Lady
    Though her Senate bid fell short, Murphy continues to be a key figure in environmental advocacy and Democratic strategy.
24. Rahaman Muhammad
    Deputy Mayor, Newark
    Muhammad’s workforce initiatives make him a pivotal figure in Newark’s economic and political framework. He is a key figure in Ras Baraka’s campaign for Governor.
25. Bob Hugin
    Chair, NJ Republican Committee
    Hugin has redefined GOP strategy in New Jersey, focusing on suburban and swing districts.
26. Tom Bracken
    President, NJ Chamber of Commerce
    Bracken’s steady leadership continues to advocate for business-friendly policies in New Jersey.
27. Hanna Mori
    State Director, U.S. Senator Cory Booker
    A trusted advisor and policy strategist, Mori is central to Booker’s success.
28. Phil Alagia
    Chief-of-Staff, Essex County Executive
    Alagia’s influence in Essex County makes him a critical figure in Democratic politics.
29. Chris Donnelly
    General Manager, Avoq
    Donnelly blends communications expertise with a deep understanding of New Jersey’s political terrain.
30. Dale Florio
    Principal, Princeton Public Affairs Group
    A seasoned political strategist, Florio’s influence spans decades.
31. Debbie White
    President, HPAE
    White fights tirelessly for healthcare workers’ rights, making her a prominent labor leader.
32. David Pascrell
    Gibbons PC
    Pascrell’s lobbying efforts have shaped key legislative initiatives.
33. Colleen O’Dea
    Senior Writer, NJ Spotlight News
    O’Dea’s investigative reporting has brought critical issues to light, influencing public opinion.
34. Sean Darcy and Laura Matos
    Power Couple
    This duo blends campaign strategy and policy expertise, shaping Monmouth County politics. Also, two of the best people in NJ.
35. Michael Hayden
    Attorney, Pashman Stein Walder Hayden PC
    A veteran defense attorney with a long history of high-profile cases.
36. Laurel Brennan
    Secretary-Treasurer, NJ AFL-CIO
    Brennan is a trailblazer in labor leadership and a voice for workers across New Jersey.
37. Esther Suarez
    Hudson County Prosecutor
    Suarez has built a reputation for fairness and strength in the legal arena. She isn’t going anywhere soon.
38. Damian Williams
    U.S. Attorney, Southern District of New York
    A key figure in the Menendez case, Williams has shown a strong commitment to justice.
39. Charlie Wowkanech
    President, NJ AFL-CIO
    Wowkanech is a critical figure in shaping labor’s role in statewide elections.
40. Larry Hamm
    Founder, People’s Organization for Progress (POP)
    Hamm remains a steadfast advocate for grassroots activism and social justice.
41. Ed Potosnak
    Executive Director, League of Conservation Voters
    Potosnak champions environmental causes and sustainable development.
42. Angelo Genova
    Genova Burns
    Genova is the legal mind behind many successful campaigns in New Jersey.
43. Millie Silva
    Secretary-Treasurer, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East
    Silva’s bold leadership has national implications for labor movements.
44. Charlie Stile
    Columnist, Bergen Record
    Stile’s sharp political commentary influences statewide discourse.
45. Adam Steinberger
    Partner, Avoq
    A strategic campaign advisor with decades of experience in New Jersey politics.
46. Chigozie Onyema
    Newark West Ward Democratic Committee Chair
    Onyema’s grassroots leadership is critical in Newark’s shifting political scene.
47. Joe Jacobs
    Attorney
    A trusted advisor in Atlantic City’s evolving political landscape.
48. Amol Sinha
    Executive Director, ACLU-NJ
    A civil rights leader fighting to protect liberties in an evolving political climate.
49. Tracy DiFrancesco
    Somerset County GOP Chair
    DiFrancesco is reshaping Republican politics in one of the state’s key battlegrounds.
50. Alex Ball
    Chief of Staff to U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill
    As Chief of Staff to Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Ball has been instrumental in shaping policy and building coalitions.