TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin is brushing off a sharply worded political mailer that accuses him of being tied to “scandal,” responding publicly that the attack won’t intimidate him.
The oversized yellow-and-black mailer, styled like a warning sign, was sent to households this week and declares: “Attorney General Matt Platkin’s tenure in public office has been marked by scandal.” It does not specify who paid for or distributed it.
While Platkin himself has not been involved in any major scandals, many on the right strongly disagree with his politicizing of the state’s most powerful law enforcement body and for pushing and ideological agenda from the pulpit of the Attorney General’s office.
Additionally,he has faced criticism and an Assembly resolution over the Office of Public Integrity & Accountability (OPIA)’s handling of cases, with judges dismissing charges due to alleged prosecutorial misconduct (withholding evidence) in cases involving police and a rabbi, but has never been implicated personally in those matters.
While many disagree with Platkin’s political platform as an Attorney General, he has never been formally accused of misconduct or scandals.
Platkin addressed the mailer on social media Tuesday, dismissing the attack with a mix of humor and defiance.
“To whoever wasted money to send this fun mailer out about me, let me help you: I’m not running for office, I’m not backing down, and your attacks don’t scare me,” Platkin wrote. “I fight corruption because it’s the right thing to do. Sorry I’m not sorry. Also, my kid could do a better design.”
Platkin says he won’t be intimidated
Platkin, appointed attorney general by Governor Phil Murphy, has frequently been the target of criticism from political opponents and interest groups for his aggressive approach to corruption and public integrity investigations. His statement Tuesday framed the mailer as a sign of resistance to those efforts.
Political analysts noted that while attack-style mailers are common during election cycles, it is unusual to see one aimed at a sitting attorney general who is not currently a candidate for public office.
No claim of responsibility for mailer
As of Wednesday, it was unclear which group or individual funded the mailing. The envelope carried no identifying information beyond standard postage markings.
Platkin’s remarks drew supportive comments from several lawmakers and public figures who echoed his message of standing firm against political pressure.
New Jersey’s top law enforcement official said the mailer will not deter him from pursuing corruption cases, adding that “bad design and bad messaging” won’t distract his office from its mission.