Statements on Attorney General-designate Jennifer Davenport

ATTORNEY GENERAL MATT PLATKIN

“I am thrilled that Jen Davenport will serve as New Jersey’s next Attorney General. Jen is, without question, one of the finest public servants I have ever known, and will do an extraordinary job as our State’s chief law enforcement officer. Ever since I first worked with Jen back in 2018, I have seen firsthand her brilliance, steadfast commitment to pursuing justice, and unquestioned integrity. On top of it all, she’s also just a fundamentally good and decent person who deeply understands the importance of this work. I cannot think of a better choice, and I commend Governor-Elect Sherrill for appointing someone of Jen’s caliber. The Department of Law and Public safety and the 9.5 million residents of New Jersey could not be in better hands. I am fully committed to ensuring a smooth and productive transition — and I look forward to seeing the impressive results Jen and her team will deliver for our State. Congratulations, General Davenport.”

AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION OF NEW JERSEY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AMOL SINHA

“The ACLU of New Jersey looks forward to working with Jennifer Davenport as the next attorney general, and to collaborating on policies that further the civil rights, liberties, safety, and freedom of all New Jerseyans. As always, we will fulfill our duty as advocates to hold the attorney general accountable to her pledge to uphold the constitutions of New Jersey and of the United States.

“As New Jersey’s top law enforcement officer, the attorney general is charged with upholding the rule of law, and they must be on the frontlines of defending New Jersey’s communities against the Trump administration’s abuses of power. The decisions of the attorney general have an impact on critical issues like whether people live their lives in cages or in freedom, whether police departments have meaningful oversight, whether we promote racial justice and equity, whether New Jersey government is transparent and accountable, and whether immigrants feel forced into the shadows or are free to participate in civic life, among countless others. We will work to ensure the office uses the full force of its powers to make New Jersey fairer and more just, and we look forward to working with prospective Attorney General Davenport to create a New Jersey where people can live their lives more freely.

“Over the past several years, across multiple administrations, the ACLU of New Jersey has enjoyed a productive relationship with the Office of the Attorney General – sometimes as allies, sometimes as adversaries, but always with mutual respect. We shared a productive working relationship with Ms. Davenport during her time as First Assistant Attorney General under former AG Gurbir Grewal, and we are hopeful that under her leadership, the Office will continue to build upon the work of defending the rights of all New Jerseyans.”

NEW JERSEY STATE TROOOPERS FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT WAYNE BLANCHARD

“Ms. Davenport brings vast criminal prosecutorial experience which will be a tremendous asset as our troopers are on the front lines combating serious criminal justice issues in our state such as weapons and human trafficking, internet crimes against children, and auto theft.  In her tenure as First Assistant Attorney General, the STFA maintained open lines of communication with Ms. Davenport to work together on common sense criminal justice reform policy to help build trust in our troopers and all law enforcement statewide.  We were also proud to have stood side by side with Ms. Davenport at many community events to further promote the relationship between law enforcement and the communities that we serve.  We look forward to supporting the confirmation of Ms. Davenport as our next Attorney General and the potential to continue to make great progress for law enforcement and the communities that we serve in our great state.”

REV. DR. CHARLES F. BOYER

“I am proud to express my strong support for Jennifer Davenport as New Jersey’s next Attorney General. Having worked with her for years, I have witnessed firsthand that she leads and listens with a clear set of values rooted in public safety, fairness, accountability, and equity. I’ve seen how she makes sure our community has a seat at the table so solutions work on the ground. Governor‑elect Mikie Sherrill deserves tremendous credit for such a thoughtful and impactful choice. I look forward to working with both of them to protect New Jerseyans’ rights and freedoms.”

NEW JERSEY STATE PBA PRESIDENT PETER ANDREYEV

“The State PBA congratulates Jennifer Davenport on her nomination to be New Jersey’s next Attorney General.  Jennifer understands the responsibilities of the office, knows New Jersey law enforcement and has the experience necessary to hit the ground running.  During her time as 1st Assistant AG the State PBA had a productive and open working relationship with her and we are looking forward to continuing that with her when she becomes AG.”

NEW JERSEY NAACP PRESIDENT RICHARD SMITH

“The NAACP New Jersey State Conference commends Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill on the appointment of Jen Davenport as Attorney General of the State of New Jersey. At a moment when our state faces critical challenges related to justice, public safety, civil rights, and trust in government, the selection of an Attorney General carries profound significance. Jen Davenport brings to this role a reputation for integrity, legal excellence, and a demonstrated commitment to the fair and impartial administration of justice. Her appointment reflects a clear understanding that the Attorney General’s office must serve all the people of New Jersey—without fear, favor, or prejudice. Governor-Elect Sherrill’s decision signals a seriousness of purpose and a readiness to confront long standing disparities in policing, prosecution, environmental justice, voting rights, and consumer protection. We look forward to working collaboratively with Attorney General-designate Davenport to ensure that constitutional protections are not merely promised, but practiced, and that justice in New Jersey is not selective, but universal.”

NEW JERSEY STATE ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE ANDREW CAGGIANO

“Jen Davenport is a tough, career prosecutor, skilled attorney, and friend to law enforcement. Jen cares deeply about keeping our streets safe and ensuring that our officers have the tools they need to protect and serve New Jerseyans. I look forward to working with Jen to reduce crime, get criminals off the streets, and protect our officers.”

FORMER NEW JERSEY BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES PRESIDENT JEANNE FOX

“I spent over a decade as Commissioner of the BPU to innovate on new technologies and save New Jerseyans money – I know firsthand how hard it is to lower our utility bills and how this moment requires a different approach. Gov.-elect Sherrill and her nominee for Attorney General, Jen Davenport, are exactly the kind of leaders it will take to lower bills.  This nomination shows Mikie’s fully committed to changing the way the system works to lower costs.”

FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL GURBIR GREWAL

“I congratulate Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill on the nomination of Jennifer Davenport to serve as New Jersey’s next Attorney General. Jen has the intellect, experience, and integrity required for the job and will be an exceptional Attorney General. As a career public servant with deep law enforcement experience, including at the Attorney General’s office, she has already done the hard work to earn the trust of her future colleagues, as well as law enforcement officers, community stakeholders, and public officials across the state. And because of that experience and credibility, she understands the immense power of the office and the need to exercise it responsibly in protecting the public, safeguarding the integrity of our institutions, and ensuring equal justice—whether the matter involves violent crime, corruption, consumer fraud, civil rights, or complex financial misconduct. Simply put, she’ll make the right calls for the right reasons and will be ready to serve New Jerseyans from day one.”

FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL CHRISTOPHER PORRINO

“Gov-elect Sherrill has made a superb choice in Jennifer Davenport. While relatable and understated, Jen is an extremely effective and strong leader. The hard-working people of the Department of Law and Public Safety will be inspired and motivated by her commitment to the rule of law. Her deep law enforcement experience, both state and federal, will serve her well in making our cities safer and reducing gun violence. And given her experience, both law enforcement and our communities already know and trust her. This is a confidence inspiring selection, and I will be proud to call Jen Davenport our Attorney General.”

FORMER U.S. ATTORNEY PAUL FISHMAN

“Jen Davenport is wonderful choice to be New Jersey’s next Attorney General. She’s a very talented lawyer who has been a terrific federal, state, and county prosecutor. Jen has a reputation for being tough and fair, and she has skills to build and enhance trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Jen is also the kind of bold and experienced leader that New Jersey needs as Attorney General. I saw all of those qualities when we were colleagues in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and its why I promoted her twice. At a time when our legal system and fundamental freedoms are under attack from the Trump administration, I am confident that Jen will meet that challenge and keep New Jersey residents safer.”

FORMER U.S. ATTORNEY CRAIG CARPENITO

“As a citizen of New Jersey, I am grateful for the nomination of Jennifer Davenport to serve as our next Attorney General.  I had the pleasure of working cooperatively with Jennifer in her role as First Assistant Attorney General during my tenure as United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey.  Jennifer is a career prosecutor that has devoted her professional life to public safety and quality-of-life for the people of New Jersey.  Jennifer is an outstanding lawyer with a stellar reputation within the New Jersey bar.  She has never let politics get in the way of doing the right thing.  Jennifer Davenport is precisely who New Jersey needs and deserves as its next Attorney General.”

FORMER CHIEF COUNSEL PARIMAL GARG

“When I served as chief counsel to Governor Murphy, I was fortunate to work closely with Jen as she served as First Assistant AG. I’ve never met a more dedicated public servant. She cared only about the work – not the credit or accolades. New Jersey will be well-served by AG Davenport.”