The ACLU of New Jersey has announced the creation of its Political Advocacy Department, a move aimed at consolidating and expanding its public policy, organizing, and civic engagement efforts. John Butler has been appointed as the department’s first political director.
“We are witnessing a fundamental shift in New Jersey politics, and the ACLU-NJ is ready for it. We are doing all we can to ensure that our state continues to forge a firewall for freedom for years to come,” said ACLU-NJ Executive Director Amol Sinha. “I’m proud to launch our Political Advocacy Department so we can set a bold policy and political agenda to deliver even more civil rights victories. John Butler is the right leader at the right time to execute that vision. In this unprecedented moment, as the Trump administration continues to brutalize our communities, under John’s steady leadership, we will build a better future for all who call our state home.”
The new department will lead legislative and political initiatives while mobilizing over 30,000 members across New Jersey. By bringing together these areas of work, the organization seeks to reinforce its integrated advocacy model—a strategy credited with several recent civil rights successes in the state.
Butler expressed his perspective on joining: “Having dedicated my career to advocating for inclusive politics, a robust democracy, and forward-thinking criminal legal system reform that benefits real people, joining the ACLU-NJ – an organization at the vanguard of civil rights advocacy – is a defining moment in my life,” he said. “I’m hopeful that in the coming years, we will be able to achieve even more meaningful change to protect and advance fundamental freedoms for all New Jerseyans.”
Before this appointment, Butler was director of criminal justice policy under Governor Phil Murphy. In that role he worked on reforms within the criminal legal system and led harm reduction campaigns as well as policies concerning veterans affairs, cannabis regulation, election procedures, and homeland security. He played a central role in developing clemency initiatives which resulted in pardons or commutations for 455 individuals—more than those granted by previous governors over three decades.
Butler’s earlier experience includes positions at organizations such as the Center for Court Innovation and Fair and Just Prosecution where he promoted evidence-based reforms. He also contributed to political campaigns for President Barack Obama and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. His academic background includes degrees from Brown University, London School of Economics, and Stanford Law School.
As described on its official website, the ACLU of New Jersey is committed to promoting equity by centering historically marginalized communities in its advocacy efforts while working statewide across New Jersey (source). The organization works toward protecting constitutional rights through legal action and policy changes—such as voting rights protections and criminal justice reform—and provides resources like Know Your Rights guides covering issues from transgender rights to immigration interactions (source). The ACLU-NJ identifies itself as a civil rights group dedicated both locally within New Jersey and at broader levels (source).
