Today’s hearing sets the tone for New Jersey’s next era of public safety, affordability, and fiscal leadership.
All eyes across Trenton and the wider political landscape will be focused today on the Senate Judiciary Committee as lawmakers begin formal confirmation interviews for two of Governor Mikie Sherrill’s most consequential cabinet nominations: Jennifer Davenport for Attorney General and Aaron Binder for State Treasurer.
The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. and will mark the first public test of the governor’s leadership team as her administration prepares to take shape.
The committee is chaired by Senator Brian P. Stack of the 33rd Legislative District, with Senator Troy Singleton of the 7th District serving as vice chair. Both lawmakers are expected to play central roles in guiding questioning on law enforcement priorities, civil rights protections, state finances, and the long-term direction of New Jersey’s government.
Davenport, Sherrill’s nominee for Attorney General, was first announced by the governor on December 15 of last year. A lifelong public servant, Davenport brings more than 15 years of experience working in law enforcement and prosecutorial roles at both the state and federal levels. Her career has spanned complex civil and criminal matters, public safety initiatives, and cross-agency cooperation focused on community trust and accountability.
In introducing her nominee, Governor Sherrill emphasized that the Attorney General’s office will be a central pillar of her administration’s broader agenda to make New Jersey safer, fairer, and more affordable.
“A strong Attorney General is critical to delivering for New Jerseyans, whether that means taking on price gougers, fighting for federal resources, or protecting our rights and freedoms,” Sherrill said when announcing the nomination. She pointed to her professional history with Davenport at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and described Davenport’s record as one rooted in constitutional integrity, community engagement, and an ability to work across institutional and political lines to solve difficult problems.
According to the governor, Davenport’s background handling complex investigations and high-stakes litigation will be especially important as the state confronts rising concerns over consumer protection, public safety, and federal-state conflicts that may emerge in the coming years.
Davenport, speaking after her nomination, framed her potential role as Attorney General as both a continuation of her public service career and an expansion of her commitment to protecting New Jersey residents.
She said the Attorney General’s Office plays a vital role in advancing the administration’s mission of keeping residents safe while also addressing affordability pressures that affect families across the state. Davenport highlighted a broad enforcement and policy portfolio that would include combating gun violence and human trafficking, protecting children, strengthening consumer protections, and defending New Jersey residents from what she described as emerging legal and policy challenges coming from Washington.
She also underscored a central theme likely to be explored by senators during today’s hearing: the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
“I have spent my career in public service and alongside law enforcement, and in each role I have worked to bring people together and solve the toughest problems facing our state,” Davenport said.
Following Davenport’s interview, the committee will turn to Aaron Binder, Governor Sherrill’s nominee for State Treasurer, a position that oversees one of the largest and most influential departments in New Jersey government.
Binder currently serves as the state’s Deputy Treasurer and brings extensive experience from the Legislature, including prior roles as budget director for the Assembly Budget Committee and as deputy executive director for the Assembly Majority Office. As Treasurer, Binder would be responsible for managing New Jersey’s multi-billion-dollar operating budget, overseeing taxation policy, supervising the state’s pension system and investment operations, and leading a department with more than 3,000 employees.
The nomination places Binder at the center of some of the state’s most pressing and politically sensitive challenges, including long-term pension sustainability, property tax relief, infrastructure investment, and economic resilience.
Governor Sherrill has described the Treasury Department as a critical frontline agency as New Jersey navigates uncertainty at the federal level and prepares for potential shifts in national fiscal and regulatory policy.
She said she is seeking an experienced and steady hand to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, that the pension system continues to be fully funded, and that state investments remain focused on helping families manage rising costs of living.
Binder, in accepting the nomination, pointed to recent initiatives he helped lead as Deputy Treasurer, including efforts to fund the pension system responsibly and implement property-tax and rental-relief programs aimed at lowering the cost of owning or renting a home.
He said his priorities as Treasurer would focus on building fiscally responsible budgets, strengthening long-term financial planning, and ensuring that public dollars are directed toward programs that produce measurable benefits for residents and communities.
“I look forward to working with the Governor-elect to continue building fiscally responsible budgets that invest in the future of our state, lower costs for families, and ensure that New Jerseyans’ tax dollars are being spent wisely, efficiently, and in the areas that matter most,” Binder said.
Today’s hearing comes at a pivotal moment for state government, as lawmakers and the incoming administration confront growing concerns about affordability, public safety, consumer protection, and economic stability. The Attorney General and Treasurer will serve as two of the administration’s most influential cabinet officials, shaping how New Jersey enforces its laws, protects its residents, and manages its financial future.
While confirmation hearings often move quickly, the scope of responsibility attached to both positions suggests senators will closely examine each nominee’s experience, management approach, and readiness to lead large, complex state agencies.
The outcome of today’s Judiciary Committee session will determine whether both nominations advance to the full Senate for confirmation, setting the stage for Governor Sherrill to formally install her top legal and financial leadership team.
For continuing coverage of today’s hearing and broader developments shaping New Jersey politics, Sunset Daily News will provide ongoing reporting and analysis throughout the day.
