Phil Murphy, Steve Sweeney, Loretta Weinberg, Craig Coughlin, Ras Baraka, Cory Booker, Bob Menendez, Sheila Oliver and Eliana Pintor Marin appeared in our Top 30 rankings.
Jack Ciattarelli
Former assemblyman (R-Somerville)
State of New Jersey
Ciattarelli is, for now, the frontrunner to get the Republican nomination for governor in 2021. That’s a long way off. Long enough for Ciattarelli to see if the state will follow a familiar pattern, turning back toward a moderate Republican after electing a progressive Democrat.
Steve Fulop
Mayor (Democrat)
Jersey City
Does all the things you want a modern-day mayor to do: Show strong concern for economic growth and social growth, the advancement of underserved communities, and giving opportunities to women.
Vin Gopal
Senator (D-Ocean Twp.)
State of New Jersey
His steady work and sensible (read: moderate) approach to economic and social policy, combined with an easygoing and charismatic personality, means he’s someone whose political path must be viewed as on the rise.
Josh Gottheimer
U.S. representative (Democrat)
5th Congressional District
Sensible on economic and social policy … willing to work on both sides of the aisle … eager to find creative solutions. Gottheimer fights the good fight and is the throwback politician we need more of. Our fear: He’s the throwback politician his colleagues wants less of.
Lou Greenwald
Assemblyman (D-Voorhees)
State of New Jersey
Assembly majority leader will be another key figure in the upcoming budget battle. Longtime legislator knows how to pick his battles — and win his fights.
Jamel Holley
Assemblyman (D-Union)
State of New Jersey
Too soon, some will say. Others say the future is bright for Holley, the former mayor of Roselle who is active in all the issues and appears eager for more challenges and opportunities.
Tom Kean Jr.
Senator (R-Westfield)
State of New Jersey
Minority leader with rich family legacy in New Jersey politics always has been viewed as a future gubernatorial candidate. This fall, he’ll enter a different race, taking on first-term U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski in a 7th District race that will be a barometer of the R-D scale in the state.
Steve Oroho
Senator (R-Sparta)
State of New Jersey
He supports sound economic policy — the type that truly would make the state more attractive to business. More than that, he’s willing and eager to work with Senate President Steve Sweeney. The quest is to get more politicians on board.
Frank Pallone
U.S. representative (Democrat)
6th Congressional District
He’s the ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee in D.C., and that plays well in New Jersey, where he has built a brand for himself as a leader in all economic development issues involving the environment and sustainability.
Ron Rice
Senator (D-Newark)
State of New Jersey
Longstanding state senator (he’s been in office since December 1986) has made it his mission to stop the legalization of recreational use of cannabis in the state, blocking one of Gov. Phil Murphy’s signature initiatives. Rice says it will not help social justice or underserved communities.
Paul Sarlo
Senator (D-Wood-Ridge)
State of New Jersey
Senate budget chair continues to make his mark in a number of areas in Trenton. And, as an executive with Sanzari Construction and a New Jersey Institute of Technology grad, he knows firsthand how business, higher education and government should work together.
Mikie Sherrill
U.S. representative (Democrat)
11th Congressional District
She was the big winner in congressional races two years ago. And, so far, she’s fulfilling the promise so many have for her, making connections — and raising money — in D.C. One to watch on state and federal levels. Sky is the limit.
Troy Singleton
Senator (D-Moorestown)
State of New Jersey
Powerful South Jersey senator has the support and backing of George Norcross — and a vibe that says he may be destined for a bigger role in state government. Definitely one to keep an eye on.
Jeff Van Drew
U.S. Representative (Republican)
2nd Congressional District
His party switch during President Donald Trump’s impeachment hearings made national news, led to Trump making an appearance in New Jersey — and will lead to an incredibly contested fight this fall, an election that will go a long way toward showing how solidly blue the state is.
Joseph Vitale
Senator (D-Woodbridge)
State of New Jersey
He’s always influential because of his role in shaping health care legislation. He also scores points for the elimination of the statute of limitations for certain lawsuits. Some feel it led to the bankruptcy filing by the Boy Scouts of America.
Click below to see who landed in the Top 30 spots on the ROI Influencers Power List 2020:
- Top 30: 1 (click here)
- Top 30: 10-2 (click here)
- Top 30: 20-11 (click here)
- Top 30: 30-21 (click here)
Here’s the most powerful people in 13 industries:
- Accountants
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- Higher Education
- Technology
- Consultants
- Government Affairs
- Lawyers
- Politicians
- Economic Development
- Executives
- Health Care
- Real Estate
- Unions
