Heat Intensifies for Resignation of New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin

Attorney General (AG) Matthew Platkin NJ State Chief Law Enforcement Officer
Attorney General (AG) Matthew Platkin NJ State Chief Law Enforcement Officer

TRENTON, N.J. — Assembly Republicans intensified their calls for Attorney General Matthew Platkin’s resignation Thursday, accusing him of political bias, failed prosecutions, and mismanagement of state resources. The demand follows the introduction of impeachment articles by Assembly Republican leaders.

Monmouth County Assembly members Vicky Flynn and Gerry Scharfenberger led the charge, alleging that Platkin has turned the Attorney General’s Office into a political tool rather than a law enforcement agency. “Matthew Platkin has failed to do that at every turn. It is time for him to step down,” Flynn said.

Republicans cited multiple failed prosecutions, including the case against George Norcross, and accused Platkin of misusing taxpayer funds, including $175 million on an unsuccessful offshore wind project. They also criticized his policies on law enforcement, claiming they have worsened New Jersey’s policing crisis.

During an Assembly voting session, Republican lawmakers Jay Webber and Erik Peterson condemned Platkin’s leadership, saying he has disregarded bipartisan laws aimed at increasing transparency. “We have the top law enforcement officer in this state not respecting the law,” Webber said.

The controversy escalates as Democrats push legislation requiring the attorney general to update and report on the state’s use of force policy, setting the stage for further clashes in the legislature.