TRENTON, N.J. – From political battles to billion-dollar business deals, New Jersey enters February with a week packed full of developments shaping the state’s politics, economy, and public safety.
In the 11th Congressional District, voters are heading to the polls for a high-stakes special election to fill Governor Mikie Sherrill’s vacated seat. Early in-person voting has begun amid record campaign spending surpassing $7.1 million. Political analysts say the race could serve as a bellwether for voter sentiment heading into the 2026 midterms.
Tensions remain high across Hudson County following an increase in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Hoboken and Jersey City. Multiple arrests sparked protests and criticism from top Democrats, including Senator Cory Booker, who accused federal agents of “reckless enforcement.” Governor Sherrill has encouraged residents to document ICE activity and announced new state initiatives to monitor federal operations.
At the State House, several key appointments and legal developments are moving forward. The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced the nomination of a new attorney general, while Acting Treasurer Aaron Binder’s nomination gained momentum amid assurances there are no immediate plans for new tax increases. Meanwhile, South Jersey power broker George Norcross is preparing a $100 million lawsuit against the state attorney general, alleging malicious prosecution.
Top New Jersey News Stories – Week of Feb 2, 2026
- 11th Congressional District Special Election: Following Mikie Sherrill’s vacancy, early in-person voting is underway. The race has already fueled over $7.1 million in spending.
- Intense ICE Activity and Protests: Reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arresting several people in Hoboken and Jersey City have increased community tensions and fear. Senator Cory Booker and other officials have criticized these actions.
- Political Appointments and Legal Battles:
- AG Confirmation: The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced the nomination of a new attorney general.
- Norcross Lawsuit: George Norcross is preparing a $100 million lawsuit against the NJ Attorney General for malicious prosecution.
- Treasurer Nomination: Acting State Treasurer Aaron Binder’s nomination has moved forward, with indications that no major tax hikes are on the immediate agenda.
- Major Business & Development:
- Netflix at Fort Monmouth: Officials finalized the $55 million land purchase for Netflix’s $1 billion film and TV production campus.
- Banking Merger: Columbia and Northfield are merging in a $597M deal, creating the state’s third-largest regional bank.
- Education Budget Pressures:
- Hackensack Layoffs: The school district is facing a $17M budget deficit, threatening layoffs.
- School Funding: Lawmakers are debating potential school district mergers as a budgetary crisis looms.
- Crime & Safety:
- Retail/Commercial Theft: A Jersey City jewelry store was cleared out by thieves stealing over $1 million in inventory in minutes.
- School Bus Incident: A rock was thrown at a school bus on the NJ Turnpike, seriously injuring an 8-year-old student.
- Warehouse Fire: A massive fire at a flooring manufacturing warehouse in Roselle Park triggered air quality concerns.
- Infrastructure: Construction on the critical Gateway Tunnel project is reported to be in jeopardy due to federal funding issues.
On the business front, the state’s largest media development deal reached completion as Netflix finalized its $55 million purchase of the former Fort Monmouth Army base for a planned $1 billion production campus. In the financial sector, Columbia Bank and Northfield Bank announced a $597 million merger that will create New Jersey’s third-largest regional bank.
Education officials are bracing for fiscal strain. Hackensack schools face a $17 million deficit, prompting warnings of layoffs, while lawmakers are debating whether consolidating smaller school districts could help offset a growing funding shortfall.
Crime and safety also dominated headlines. In Jersey City, a jewelry store was hit by a fast-moving theft in which thieves made off with more than $1 million in merchandise. On the New Jersey Turnpike, an 8-year-old child was seriously injured when a rock was thrown at a passing school bus. And in Roselle Park, a massive warehouse fire at a flooring plant triggered temporary air quality concerns across Union County.
Transportation officials are also warning that the long-awaited Gateway Tunnel project could face new delays if federal funding commitments waver, potentially stalling one of the most critical infrastructure undertakings in the Northeast.
Key Points:
- The 11th Congressional District special election begins amid record spending.
- ICE raids in Hudson County spark statewide backlash and protest.
- Netflix finalizes $55M Fort Monmouth deal for a $1B studio campus.
- Columbia and Northfield banks announce a $597M merger.
- Hackensack schools face $17M in cuts; warehouse fire raises air quality concerns.