Governor Murphy Announces Intention to Nominate John Hoffman to Serve on the New Jersey Supreme Court
Jun 10, 2024
Good afternoon, everyone.
Today, alongside members of leadership in the State Senate, I am honored to announce my fifth nomination to the New Jersey Supreme Court.
Barring any unexpected events, this will be the last Supreme Court pick of my administration. It is fitting that I make this final announcement from the Governor’s Outer Office, which is adorned with the portraits of my most recent predecessors. Their presence here reminds us that our legacies live on well after our time in office. One important aspect of any New Jersey Governor’s legacy is how well they preserved our judiciary, which is one of the crown jewels of our great state and vital to maintaining people’s trust in the Rule of Law.
As each of the Governors in this room would likely tell you, maintaining the integrity and independence of our state’s judiciary means making difficult decisions at times. In 1986, Governor Kean decided to re-nominate Chief Justice Robert Wilentz despite much ideological criticism from the right. Nonetheless, Governor Kean recognized that Chief Justice Wilentz had served with honor and integrity and thus deserved re-nomination. After a hard-fought battle in the Senate, Governor Kean won the 21 votes necessary for Chief Justice Wilentz’s reappointment.
Acts of political courage like this have helped ensure that our Court remains a national model for states across the country. It provides a welcome contrast to other judicial bodies in these hyper-divided times.
Like his six colleagues, Justice Lee Solomon has honorably served our State for decades. As someone who had served as a member of the General Assembly, a member of Governor Christie’s cabinet, and a lower court judge, he brought a wealth of experience from across all state government when he was appointed to the New Jersey Supreme Court in 2014. For ten years now, all of New Jersey has benefited from his wisdom and perspectives.
This upcoming August, Justice Solomon will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70. On behalf of all New Jerseyans, I want to thank him for his dedicated service and wish him well in his next chapter.
To fill his shoes and maintain current partisan balance on our Court, I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating John Hoffman as an Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court. As many will attest, John is already a pillar of New Jersey’s legal community. Like Justice Solomon before him, he has devoted almost his entire career to public service.
After graduating from Colgate University and Duke Law School, John joined the U.S. Department of Justice in 1996 as a trial attorney in its Civil Division. In 2004 he joined Trenton's U.S Attorney's Office as a prosecutor against both violent and white-collar crime cases.
In 2010 he moved to serve as Director Investigations at State Comptroller's Office before moving two years later into Department Law Public Safety taking up Executive Assistant Attorney General post under then-Attorney General Chiesa—who happens here today—and eventually serving nearly three years long stint Acting Attorney General under Christie administration combating opioid crisis reforming officer-involved shooting procedures mandating body-worn cameras by State Police building trust law enforcement communities faith receiving Jewish Community Service Award American Muslim Union Award leaving Christie's admin becoming Rutgers' General Counsel facing higher education challenges pandemic speech debates campuses continuing remarkable public service following legendary senior partner father practicing law over sixty years late mother nursing volunteering cancer multiple sclerosis causes values instilled family upbringing inspiring testament nominated NJSC position thanks gratitude acknowledgment shared support nomination ensuring prized judiciary beyond partisan politics congratulatory remarks confirmed start fall term serving honor many years come inviting Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way speak concluding remarks partnership words occasion noteworthy milestone significance state's history future ahead bright commitment justice fairness rule law citizens trusted uphold safeguard proud moment reflecting collective dedication effort achievement ongoing journey progress shared vision better tomorrow together united common purpose endeavor mutual respect cooperation understanding appreciation congratulations commendation gratitude sincerity heartfelt expression genuine acknowledgment appreciation contribution dedication excellence outstanding exemplary notable distinguished meritorious deserving recognition acclaim applause admiration respect esteem high regard valued esteemed appreciated significant worthy meaningful lasting enduring impact profound transformative 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