If you’re living in New Jersey or just trying to keep up with the state’s legal drama, you might be asking: who is the NJ Attorney General right now?
As of early 2026, Matthew J. Platkin is the man in the seat. He’s the 62nd person to hold the title, and honestly, he’s been a pretty central figure in some of the biggest shifts the state has seen lately. From taking on political power brokers to clashing with federal policies, Platkin isn’t exactly a "sit in the office and push paper" kind of guy.
The Basics on Matt Platkin
He’s actually a homegrown Jersey guy. Born in Florham Park and raised in Morristown, he’s a Madison High School graduate. He went out west for school—Stanford for both his undergrad and his law degree—but he came right back to the Garden State to start his career.
Before he became the top cop, he was Governor Phil Murphy’s Chief Counsel. Basically, he was the guy in the Governor's ear during the toughest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, drafting those executive orders we all remember. He also had a stint as special counsel to Senator Cory Booker during the first Trump impeachment trial.
He was nominated for the AG spot in early 2022. It took a few months of serving as "Acting" Attorney General before the Senate officially confirmed him in September of that year. At the time, he was one of the youngest people to ever hold the position.
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Why the AG Matters to You
In New Jersey, the Attorney General isn't elected. Unlike in most other states where you see AG candidates on the ballot every four years, here, the Governor picks them. It’s a massive job because the AG doesn't just manage lawyers; they oversee the Department of Law and Public Safety.
This department is huge. It includes:
- The New Jersey State Police.
- The Division of Criminal Justice.
- The Division of Consumer Affairs (the people you call when a contractor rips you off).
- The Division on Civil Rights.
- Even the Division of Gaming Enforcement (keeping an eye on Atlantic City and sports betting).
When you hear about a major drug bust, a lawsuit against "Big Tech," or a new rule for how local police should handle mental health calls, that’s all coming from Platkin’s office.
What Has He Actually Done?
Platkin has been busy. One of his "big swings" happened recently in 2024 when his office unsealed a massive racketeering indictment against George Norcross, who has been a powerhouse in South Jersey politics for decades. Taking on that kind of established political weight is a move that got a lot of people talking, regardless of which side of the aisle they’re on.
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He’s also been a massive advocate for the ARRIVE Together program. This is a big deal for how law enforcement works. Instead of just sending a cruiser to a mental health crisis, the program pairs an officer with a mental health professional. It’s been expanding across the state because, frankly, the old way wasn't working for a lot of people.
On the consumer side, his office has been aggressive. Just recently in early 2026, he announced a settlement with Apple over pricing violations in their NJ stores. It wasn't a massive amount of money—about $150,000—but it sends a message that even the world’s biggest companies have to follow Jersey’s consumer laws.
The "County Line" Controversy
You can't talk about Platkin without mentioning the ballot lawsuit. In 2024, during Andy Kim’s run for Senate, a huge legal fight broke out over New Jersey’s "county line" ballot system. Most people thought the AG would defend the state’s long-standing way of doing things.
Platkin shocked everyone by saying he wouldn't defend it. He basically said the system was unconstitutional. This put him at odds with some of the very people who helped put him in office, including Governor Murphy. It was a rare moment where an AG publicly broke rank on a foundational part of NJ politics.
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What’s Next: The 2026 Transition
Here is where things get interesting. Since New Jersey just went through a gubernatorial election cycle, things are about to change.
Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill has already signaled that she wants a new face in the office. In December 2025, she named Jennifer Davenport as her nominee for Attorney General. Davenport is a veteran prosecutor and was actually a high-ranking official in the AG’s office before.
While Platkin is still the AG as of today, the transition is in motion. Davenport is expected to take over once she is confirmed by the State Senate. She’s already mentioned that her priorities will include tackling human trafficking and preparing for the massive crowds coming for the 2026 World Cup.
Actionable Insights for NJ Residents
So, what should you do with this info? Knowing who holds this office helps you navigate the state system if you ever need help.
- Check for Consumer Alerts: If you think a business is scamming you, visit the Division of Consumer Affairs website. Platkin’s office frequently updates this with active scams and settlement news.
- Track Civil Rights: If you feel you've been discriminated against in housing or employment, the Division on Civil Rights (part of the AG's office) is where you file a complaint. They’ve recently issued new guidance on language-based discrimination that’s worth reading.
- Watch the Confirmation: Keep an eye on the news for Jennifer Davenport’s confirmation hearings. These hearings are usually televised or streamed and give you a great look at how the next few years of law enforcement in Jersey will look.
- The TRUST Commission: If you’re interested in government transparency, look up the TRUST Commission report issued in late 2025. It lays out a roadmap for how the AG’s office plans to handle public corruption complaints moving forward.
Understanding the Attorney General's office is basically understanding how the rules of the road are enforced in New Jersey. Whether it’s Platkin or Davenport in the seat, that office has more impact on your daily life than almost any other state agency.