TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin is facing impeachment after Assembly Republican leaders introduced a resolution Thursday, accusing him of failing to perform his duties and overstepping his authority.
The resolution (AR179), signed by Assemblymen John DiMaio, Antwan McClellan, and Christopher DePhillips, alleges that Platkin has misused his position by directing investigations that undermine law enforcement.
“Platkin has undermined people’s trust in our police and the office of the Attorney General,” DiMaio (R-Warren) said. “We’re starting the impeachment process to balance the scales of justice.”
Republicans claim Platkin’s actions, including lawsuits and public statements, constitute “lawfare,” using legal mechanisms to target political opponents. They point to an external report analyzing traffic stops and investigations led by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) as examples of overreach.
McClellan (R-Cape May) criticized Platkin’s handling of prosecutions, arguing that many of his cases fail in court. “Governor Murphy’s AG has been pursuing high-profile cases to capture headlines, not criminals,” he said.
State troopers have expressed frustration with OPIA, saying administrative delays have impacted their careers. Republicans argue this has eroded both law enforcement and public confidence in Platkin’s leadership.
“Platkin has acted in such a way that has diminished not only troopers’ trust in his leadership, but also the public’s confidence in his ability to act with integrity and transparency,” DePhillips (R-Bergen) said.
The impeachment articles also accuse Platkin of unlawfully taking control of the Paterson Police Department, failing to uphold state statutes, mishandling legal responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, and improperly targeting pro-life pregnancy centers.