Tim Lydon joining Sherrill campaign as policy director and general counsel

Former Superior Court Judge Timothy Lydon is taking a leave of absence from his post as executive director of the New Jersey Senate Majority Office to head up the policy shop for Democrat Mikie Sherrill’s campaign for governor and serve as general counsel to the campaign.

With Lydon, Sherrill gains an advisor deeply rooted in the functions of state government, as well as friends on both sides of the aisle and in Gov. Phil Murphy’s office.

“Tim has a wealth of diverse experience in state government and, most importantly, a deep commitment to public service,” Sherrill said.  “I look forward to working closely together as we continue to share my plans that advance opportunity and lower costs for all New Jerseyans.”

The 53-year-old Lydon, who also served as executive director of the Senate Democrats under Senate President Steve Sweeney, resigned from the bench in 2022 to return to the legislature.   He held a tenured seat and served as the presiding judge of the general equity court in Mercer County.

He has strong ties to the current Senate President, Nicholas Scutari, who told senators today that Lydon’s leave will be effective at the end of the week.

“I am pleased to have Tim join Mikie Sherrill’s campaign,” said Scutari. “There is no greater priority than having Mikie win in November, and I am confident that Tim’s depth of experience and expertise will help her achieve that goal. Tim has served in all three branches of government where he has demonstrated his skills in the law, public policy and politics. He has earned the trust and respect of everyone he has worked with for his thoughtful grasp of the issues, his knowledge of the law and his integrity.”

Lydon had been director of cabinet affairs under Gov. Jon Corzine and chief of staff to Rep. John Adler (D-Cherry Hill), had was the Senate’s chief counsel and deputy executive director.

“New Jersey needs a governor who is going to take a bold approach to tackling our state’s most pressing issues, which is why I am excited to be joining Team Mikie. Mikie has a strong track record of bringing people together, finding common ground, and breaking through the status quo to get big things done,” said Lydon.  “I am excited to help Mikie with her plan to make New Jersey more affordable and a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz and Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo praised Lydon, saying Sherrill’s pick was “a reflection of his tireless dedication, sharp legal mind, and deep commitment to public service.”

Tim has been a driving force at the Senate Majority Office, helping to shape and advance our legislative agenda with clarity, discipline, and heart. His leadership will be an incredible asset to a campaign that holds so much promise for New Jersey’s future,” Ruiz and Sarlo said in a joint statement.  “We fully support this next chapter and have every confidence that Tim will bring the same passion and precision to the Sherrill campaign that he brought to SMO each day.”

Sherrill had been an early volunteer on Murphy’s 2017 campaign, doing some work on his policy staff before focusing on her challenge to then-House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen.  Sherrill joined the race in 2017, while Murphy was campaigning for the Democratic nomination for governor.

Murphy’s policy team was headed by Matt Platkin, who later became chief counsel to the governor, and his attorney general.  His number two was Parimal Garg, who was deputy chief counsel before Murphy tapped him to succeed Platkin.

Jessica Cohen, Scutari’s chief of staff, will serve as the interim executive director of the Senate Majority Office; Rose Farias will remain as deputy executive director.

“I have complete confidence in Jess’s ability to assume the responsibilities of Executive Director,” Scutari said. “Jess has excelled as my chief of staff. She is a highly-skilled professional who works effectively with public officials, professional staffs and the individuals and organizations engaged in public policy.”

Ruiz and Sarlo said that Cohen will “ensure a smooth transition, allowing the office to remain fully focused on advancing key legislative priorities and delivering results for the people of New Jersey.”

“Jess has been an integral part of our leadership team, first as director of public policy to Senate President Scutari, then as chief of Staff, and now stepping into this new role with confidence and strength,” Ruiz and Sarlo said.  “She brings sound judgment and the experience required to guide the office effectively.”

Lydon rejoined the Senate staff after Alison Accettola resigned.  She had replaced Kevin Drennan just four months early and was taking a position with a non-profit, Volunteers of America Delaware Valley.