New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin is siding with progressive Democrats in a dispute over control of Cherry Hill’s Democratic county committee. It is not the first time he has feuded with the South Jersey political machine.
Platkin filed a brief this week backing three progressive candidates who defeated a full slate backed by the Camden County Democratic Committee Inc. (CCDC), which is backed by George Norcross. The outcome gives the progressives power to pick 71 additional committee members, a move the CCDC is fighting in court.
“In our democratic system, voters determine the outcome of an election. And elections have consequences,” Platkin posted on Bluesky and X. “No one gets to change the rules after the election and subvert the will of voters. We’re committed to protecting the integrity of elections in Cherry Hill and across NJ.”
In our democratic system, voters determine the outcome of an election. And elections have consequences. No one gets to change the rules after the election and subvert the will of voters. We’re committed to protecting the integrity of elections in Cherry Hill and across NJ. — Attorney General Matt Platkin (@newjerseyoag.bsky.social) July 7, 2025 at 4:04 PM
The June primary saw David Stahl, Susan Druckenbrod and Rena Margulis win about 5,500 votes to the CCDC’s 3,300. Their victory was seen as an upset.
The CCDC argues the progressives lack enough members to form a quorum and can’t legally organize. A judge’s order blocks the trio from acting until a hearing set for Friday.
James Beach, CCDC chair and state senator, called Platkin’s move “political payback,” noting he recently introduced a bill to move the State Police out from under Platkin’s oversight.
The party says its bylaws require 30% attendance to move forward with business. But Platkin says it isn’t so cut-and-dry: arguing that state law lets remaining members fill vacancies when a slate is incomplete.
“No law requires a full slate of candidates to run for office,” said Yael Bromberg, attorney for the progressives. “Plaintiffs are endeavoring a blatant power grab.”
Kate Delany, who leads the South Jersey Progressive Democrats praised Platkin’s help.
Oral arguments in Camden County Superior Court are scheduled for July 11.
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