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New Jersey and National Leaders Support Nomination of Matt Platkin as Attorney General

02/3/2022

Reverend Steffie Bartley: "The National Action Network under the leadership of Reverend Al Sharpton looks forward to working with Matt Platkin who we have worked closely with in continuing the path of transformational change in law enforcement in New Jersey. From Juvenile Justice reform, use of excessive force, to body worn cameras, the Murphy  administration has led the nation in criminal justice reform." 

U.S. Senator Cory Booker: “Anyone that has worked with Matt can attest to his integrity, his great intelligence, and his passion for justice. Matt was a key part of my team during the first impeachment trial of President Trump, a role in which he provided critical counsel and advice to myself and my team while we were undertaking one of the most serious and solemn responsibilities of the United States Senate. Governor Murphy has made a great choice, and I congratulate Matt on his nomination.”

Reverend Dr. Charles Franklin Boyer: "@mattplatkinhas been a great partner for @SandSJ_NJ’s CJ work while serving in..or outside of @GovMurphy’s administration. I look forward to working together to end segregation, advance police accountability & community led first response! Congrats Matt." [Tweet]

Senator Jon Bramnick: "Governor Murphy will be nominating Matt Platkin as the next Attorney General. I worked closely with Matt when he was chief counsel to the Governor. He is a very intelligent and talented attorney." [Tweet

Acting Attorney General Andrew Bruck: "Matt Platkin isn't just an exceptional lawyer and a dedicated public servant, he's also a friend.I know that he's going to do a fantastic job as New Jersey's 62nd Attorney General, and it'll be a privilege to hand the reins over to him later this month." [Tweet

Former U.S. Senator Jeff Chiesa: "Matt Platkin is an extraordinarily bright and accomplished attorney who has demonstrated a real commitment to public service and obviously cares deeply about the State and its future.  I am confident that he will lead the Attorney General’s office in a way that will continue to advance the quality of life for all of its residents, and I congratulate him on his nomination."

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin: “I had the opportunity to work closely with Matt in his role as the Governor’s Chief Counsel. He is a smart, talented, and dedicated attorney – all qualities that will provide for strong leadership of the Attorney General’s Office. A good partner, I will look forward to working with Matt to move New Jersey forward and commend Governor Murphy for his nomination.”

NJ State Director of the Communication Workers of America Fran Ehret: "Matt Platkin is a great choice for Attorney General. CWA negotiated three complicated Agreements with the State that were a win-win for both the public and CWA members. Matt was instrumental to getting those deals done. He has a deep commitment to public service and used his position in the front office to solve problems, not create them. Matt’s exactly the kind of person New Jersey needs in the Attorney General’s office." 

Latino Action Network President Christian Estevez: "We are pleased that Governor Murphy has decided to nominate Matt Platkin to serve as New Jersey’s Attorney General. During his time as general counsel, Platkin was a key partner with civil rights organizations. We have seen firsthand his commitment to defending working families and look forward to working with him to advance key agenda items, including police reform, desegregation and expanding civil rights protections." 

Fair Share Housing Center: "FSHC congratulates @mattplatkin on his nomination for the position of AG. @GovMurphy has chosen a strong leader with a commitment to social justice. We are excited to continue our work with Matt and thank @NewJerseyOAG for his partnership and leadership during his tenure." [Tweet

Reverend Bolivar Flores: "I applaud the decision of Gov Murphy to nominate @mattplatkin as attorney General. His professionalism, coupled with his love for people and compassion, makes him an excellent choice and a reason to celebrate. @GovMurphy @ghelmy" [Tweet]

Founder of Garden State Equality Steven Goldstein: "@GovMurphy has made an oustanding pick in @mattplatkin as the state’s new AG — he will be A+ fantastic and will stand up for progresssive values. Interim AG Andrew Bruck, phenomenal in the job, is an LGBTQ hero for me and so many others — we are blessed with his public service." [Tweet

Giffords: "What a huge win for the State of New Jersey and gun violence prevention. We look forward to continuing our work with Attorney General @MattPlatkin to uphold the state’s strong gun safety laws and keep New Jerseyans safe from gun violence." [Tweet]

Senate Majority Conference Leader Vin Gopal:  “Matt Platkin is a talented attorney and public servant who exhibited professionalism throughout his time as chief counsel to the Governor. We worked together, not just on advancing key progressive legislation, but also on the needs of the AAPI community, the fastest growing minority population in the State of New Jersey.”   

Father of Parkland Shooting Victim and Founder of Orange Ribbons For Jaime Fred Guttenberg: "Congratulations to my friend @mattplatkin who will be named today as New Jersey Attorney General by @GovMurphy. Matt will be a fighter to reduce gun violence. This is another great decision by the Governor and New Jersey will be well served by Matt." [Tweet

Interfaith Action Movement: "The interfaith Action Movement’s mission is to address the spiritual, social and economic needs of underserved and marginalized communities throughout the state. This coalition of over 50 faith and community leaders looks forward to continuing to work closely with a trusted voice Matt Platkin, the office of law and public safety and the Murphy Administration on policy issues that address systemic racism. We pray for clarity of thought and a continued commitment to seek justice."

Dena Mottola Jaborska, Executive Director, New Jersey Citizen Action: “Matt has been a staunch defender of our democracy and a champion of government that works for all New Jerseyans. As the Governor’s Chief Counsel he played a key role in shaping every important piece of the Murphy Administration’s successful agenda these past four years, including health care reform, consumer and worker protections, and budget and tax policies.  He also managed the drafting of the executive and administrative orders that have kept millions of state residents healthy and safe during a global pandemic. Governor Murphy has chosen an attorney of the highest integrity and talent for this role. We heartily congratulate Matt and look forward to working with him in his capacity as Attorney General."  

Senator Gordon Johnson: “Matt Platkin worked closely with the Legislature during his time as Chief Counsel and I am confident he will continue be a valuable and reliable partner from the Attorney General’s Office. I look forward to working with Matt to increase diversity in our police departments, fight discrimination in our workplaces, curb the rise in hate crimes across the state and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”

Congressman Andy Kim: "Congratulations  @mattplatkin on being nominated for NJ AG! I’ve seen your dedication and leadership first hand as we worked together before to strengthen our home state. I’m glad to see you stepping up to the plate again to serve our state and look forward to your confirmation." [Tweet

Former Federal Prosecutor and SCI Commissioner John Lacey: "I had the opportunity to work closely with Matt during his tenure as Chief Counsel to the Governor.  He is a person of great intellect and great character.  More importantly, he is a person who truly cares about the rule of law, due process and a justice system that is fair to all persons. He will make an outstanding Attorney General." 

Maury Litwack: "The @mattplatkin is a great pick! He understands NJ needs and has served NJ and been a fighter for NJ for years." [Tweet]  

Assembly Judiciary Chairman Raj Mukherji: "As the architect of a number of the Governor’s most noteworthy progressive accomplishments in his first term and someone who played a critical role in guiding our state’s response to the pandemic in its nascent stages, this is a wise nomination by the Governor. It’s imperative that the new Attorney General not slow the momentum or reverse the progress the Department (of Law and Public Safety) has made on criminal justice and social justice issues under AG Grewal and AG Bruck. Matt is the perfect person for this role at this moment in history. His bona fides working through critical public safety and policy issues as Chief Counsel, his academic pedigree, and his excruciating attention to detail I witnessed while working with him as the Governor’s top legal advisor, all point to his qualifications to do this job capably and to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Matt Platkin is also a man of his word. Even if he disagrees with you, he is thoughtful and analytical, he lets you know where you stand, and he is open-minded to hearing another viewpoint.”

Arlene Quinones Perez: "Platkin-NJ attorney general-congrats! Having worked w/@mattplatkin for over 4 years, he has shown his intellectual strength & desire to #NJ

@GovMurphy  @ghelmy  @parimalgarg  @NJ  @Jmd9190"  [Tweet]  

Former New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Deborah Poritz:  “Over the course of my career, I have worked with many of New Jersey’s most prominent attorneys. However, very few have been as impressive as Matt Platkin. As someone who has had the privilege of working with Matt on many important social justice initiatives, including during my time as Chair of the Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission, I know from firsthand experience that he embodies the best of the legal profession. His impeccable resume is only matched by his integrity, honesty, and character. Governor Murphy has made a terrific choice in nominating Matt as Attorney General, and a choice I support wholeheartedly.”

Chris Porrino, 60th Attorney General of New Jersey: "I applaud Governor Murphy’s choice of Matt Platkin as Attorney General.  I met Matt in late 2017 while he was transitioning into the role of Chief Counsel to the Governor and I was finishing my term of Attorney General.  Since then, I have had the privilege of calling Matt my friend and more recently my Lowenstein Sandler partner.  I have worked as closely with Matt as I have with anyone, and I can say – without reservation -- that Matt is an absolutely brilliant lawyer and strategist.  He will serve our state extraordinarily well, and I look forward to his swift confirmation as New Jersey’s 62nd Attorney General."

Kevin Quinn, Chairman of Board of Directors, Brady Campaign: "We are proud and thrilled that Governor Murphy has nominated Matt Platkin to serve as his Attorney General to build on his administration's important work preventing gun violence and keeping New Jersey safe in his first term. Platkin is well-versed and steadfast in his commitment to prevent gun violence, including working with neighboring states to address the flow of illegal firearms into our state. He will be ready to get to work on day one and will be an effective champion in the fight to end gun violence in New Jersey."  

Senator Paul Sarlo: “I applaud Governor Murphy’s naming of Matt Platkin to serve as New Jersey Attorney General. As the chairman of the Budget Committee, I had the opportunity to work productively with Matt when he was chief counsel to the Governor. He is a smart and skilled attorney who is committed to achieving the best public policies for the State of New Jersey. I am confident that Matt will renew the state’s support of law enforcement in New Jersey, from our local patrol officers to the highest ranking officer in state government.” 

Senator Bob Singer: “I applaud Governor Murphy for this nomination. Matt Platkin is a terrific choice for New Jersey’s next Attorney General. Matt is an extremely talented attorney with years of public service experience. In the past we have cooperated on issues that affect my Legislative District, and I am looking forward to working with him as he begins the important business of the Attorney General’s Office.”

Executive Director of the ACLU of New Jersey Amol Sinha: “The ACLU-NJ looks forward to working with Matt Platkin in the state’s top law enforcement position, and to collaborating on the advancement of policies that further the civil rights, civil liberties, safety, and freedom of all New Jerseyans. As always, we will fulfill our duty as advocates to hold the attorney general accountable to their pledge to defend the state Constitution. The next attorney general can continue to position New Jersey as national civil rights leader by using the great powers of the office to advance principles of justice. The decisions of the attorney general have an impact on critical issues like whether people live their lives in cages or in freedom, whether police officers face meaningful accountability, and whether immigrants feel forced into the shadows or free to participate in civic life, among countless others. We will work to ensure the office uses the full force of its powers to make New Jersey fairer and more just, and we look forward to working with prospective Attorney General Platkin to create a New Jersey where people can live their lives more freely.  We have had a productive working relationship with Acting Attorney General Andrew Bruck – sometimes as allies, sometimes as adversaries, but always with mutual respect and appreciation – and we wish him well in his next endeavor. We have also shared a productive relationship with Mr. Platkin during his time as Governor Murphy’s Chief Counsel and are confident that under his leadership, the Office of the Attorney General will continue to build on the work of jury reform, sentencing reform, advancement of immigrants’ rights, and the expansion of police accountability.” 

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Brian P. Stack: “I think the governor has chosen someone who has a great passion for the law and is an extremely bright individual. He’s a highly qualified, excellent attorney and I look forward to interviewing him and working with the committee on his nomination."  

Reverend John Taylor: "Governor Murphy’s choices for Attorney General have set the tone in this state and nationally in addressing centuries old systemic issues in New Jersey related to criminal justice reform. Matt was also a strong voice and key figure in the engine room of systemic change.  I know Matt will continue this  legacy in this new role and even do more."

Wayne Blanchard, President of the State Troopers Fraternal Association of New Jersey: "We are excited to hear of the return of our friend Matt Platkin to state government in the role of Attorney General. We also wish to recognize the remarkable tenure of Acting Attorney General Andrew Bruck. During the tenure of Acting AG  Bruck, there was unprecedented communication, idea sharing, and respect, which helped create good policy. The State Troopers Fraternal Association expects nothing less from the Attorney General's office under the leadership of Matt Platkin. We look forward to working with AG Platkin on policy which protects the safety and Rights of our members while balancing public trust and accountability in our troopers." 

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Paul Weiss Partner Ted Wells: “I have worked closely with Matt over the years on multiple projects for Governor Murphy, and he is a brilliant lawyer with a deep commitment to equal justice and issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. He will be an outstanding Attorney General, who will achieve great results for the people of New Jersey.”

New Jersey Chapter of Moms Demand Action Theresa Turner: “Matt Platkin has been a fierce advocate for gun violence prevention during his time as chief counsel, and we are thrilled that Governor Murphy has chosen him to continue serving his state and championing the safety of New Jerseyans. As gun violence continues to devastate our communities, having experienced leaders at the helm of our statewide efforts is more important than ever. We are deeply thankful to Acting Attorney General Bruck for his dedication to gun safety, and look forward to a seamless transition.”

Former Chief Justice of New Jersey Supreme Court James Zazzali: “Having worked with Matt Platkin over the years, I am confident that he has both the competence and the work ethic to be an outstanding Attorney General."