New Jersey Statehouse Watch

Chris Russell: Mastering Tough Races in Blue New Jersey

Join Jack Brangan and Constance Ditzel on New Jersey Statehouse Watch for a strategic conversation with Chris Russell, co-founder of Checkmate Strategies and a leading Republican political consultant in the Northeast. With decades of experience in direct mail, communications, and campaign management, Russell shares hard-won lessons from high-stakes races — including his role advising Jack Ciattarelli’s 2021 gubernatorial bid and helping Congressman Mike Lawler flip and defend a difficult House seat in New York. Russell discusses the critical need for Republican unity, effective messaging, and what it really takes to compete and win in blue-state territory like New Jersey. A must-listen for conservatives focused on real change in Trenton and beyond!

Assemblyman Brian Bergen: NJ's War on Small Business, Tax Credits & the World Cup Mess | NJ State House Watch

Assemblyman Brian Bergen (LD-26) joins Jack Brangan and Constance Ditze to expose how Trenton Democrats continue to burden small businesses with overregulation, mandates, and gimmick bills like the “Soda Pop Bill.” They discuss the ABC test threatening independent contractors, sky-high corporate taxes driving businesses away, the $300M Prudential Center tax credits, and the World Cup ticket fiasco favoring New York over New Jersey residents. A must-listen from a legislator and small business owner. New episodes: 2nd & 4th Tuesday monthly.#NJPolitics #SmallBusiness #BrianBergen

New Jersey School Funding Chaos: Inside the Broken Formula with Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn

Episode 4 of New Jersey State House Watch, Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn breaks down New Jersey’s broken school funding formula. We expose how the current system drives massive property tax increases, staff layoffs, and program cuts in suburban and rural districts while pouring billions into urban systems with little accountability. From S2 formula failures to expiring federal aid, this episode reveals the unfairness and lack of transparency hurting families and taxpayers statewide. Must-listen for anyone fighting for fair funding and real reform.

Dawn Fantasia Drops Bombshells on NJ's Sanctuary State Disaster & School Funding Chaos | State House Watch

New Jersey State House Watch – April 28, 2026 Guest: Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (LD 24) Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia — lifelong educator, former Teacher of the Year, and straight-talking legislator — joins Jack Brangan and Constance Ditzel for a hard-hitting look at New Jersey’s crises. In this episode:• The dangerous fallout from sanctuary state policies• The broken school funding formula driving teacher layoffs, program cuts, and exploding property taxes• Governor Sherrill’s first 100 days and Trenton’s budget chaos Dawn brings real-world experience from the classroom to Trenton and doesn’t hold back on solutions. A must-listen for every NJ taxpayer and parent. 🎧 Watch/listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & more🌐 njstatehousewatch.com Follow: @DawnFantasia_NJ & @jxbran99 #NJPolitics #DawnFantasia #SanctuaryState #SchoolFunding #NJBudget #PropertyTaxes

Who Controls the Needle? The Fight Over NJ’s Vaccine Schedule

Recent developments in New Jersey are raising important questions about who determines the childhood vaccine schedule. This episode of Dramatic Changes in NJ analyzes legislative efforts, policy shifts, and the broader implications for families and public health in the state.