In a smooth, uninquisitive hearing Thursday afternoon, the Senate Judiciary Committee cleared John Jay Hoffman’s nomination to the state Supreme Court to replace Lee A. Solomon.
The Judiciary Committee voted 11-0 to support Hoffman, who served as acting attorney general from 2013 to 2016 under former Gov. Chris Christie. Hoffman’s nomination will now go before the full Senate on Monday, where the nominee is expected to easily win confirmation.
If confirmed, Hoffman will replace Solomon, whose mandatory retirement took effect Aug. 17 when he turned 70. Members of the Judiciary Committee unanimously praised Hoffman, who will leave his role as Rutgers University’s general counsel if he becomes the state’s next associate justice.
“I could never have imagined in my life that I would have the opportunity to serve my state in one of its most respected and challenging jobs,” Hoffman said during his opening remarks. “I thank you so much for you consideration of my nomination.”
Hoffman’s path to the high bench appears inevitable.
State Sen. Latham Tiver (R-Southampton), who is from Hoffman’s home of Burlington County, signed off on Hoffman last month, clearing the final hurdle for the nominee. Tiver, a freshman Republican, had to approve Hoffman under the Senate’s unwritten rule of senatorial courtesy, which prevents consideration of a governor’s nominee until home county senators signed off.
Hoffman faced one question during the 35-minute hearing on a topic that he has no control over.
State Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-Wood-Ridge), the chair of the Budget Committee, asked Hoffman about the hiring processes at Rutgers, who will be hiring a new president, general counsel, and athletics director in the near future. Hoffman praised his university’s “thorough” vetting process, which he assured would make taxpayers proud.
Senate President Nicholas Scutari said Hoffman will be ready to go on Day 1 and he was proud to recommend the Burlington County man to Gov. Phil Murphy.
“When I recommended John to the governor’s office, I had a feeling that the hearing would go as smooth as it’s going,” Scutari said at the hearing. “Because I’ve known John for many years, I know his character, I know his work ethic, and I know where he comes from.”
“John possesses an unwavering commitment to justice and has consistently demonstrated himself to be a highly capable and dedicated public servant. I am confident he will serve New Jersey with integrity and welcome his nomination to our state’s Supreme Court,” said State Sen. and Judiciary Chairman Brian Stack (D-Union City).
The relative ease of the process was pointed out by Scutari, who made a comment directed at Murphy’s chief counsel, Parimal Garg.
“Do what I say and thing go smooth,” Scutari said. “This was an easy recommendation.”