George Norcross spent decades developing one of the nation’s most effective and influential political machines. Now, the New Jersey Democrat believes he’s almost done with politics.
Norcross, a 67-year-old insurance executive, was never elected but possessed power comparable to governors. He filled the state Legislature with loyalists, struck deals that determined government power, and backed many members of Congress, including his brother.
However, his position shifted following the 2021 election setback of state Senate President Steve Sweeney, a childhood buddy who was defeated by a virtually unknown MAGA truck driver. The results were astonishing, especially when combined with the defeats of many state Assembly candidates sponsored by Norcross’ South Jersey machine — a “catastrophic” blow from which his operation has yet to recover.
According to Norcross, he was “involuntarily pushed to a different place” and has been “sitting in the backseat” ever since. Norcross says he’s ready to scale back his political involvement and focus on other professional and personal interests after considering his options.
“We had a great run for almost 25 years,” he remarked exclusively to AWN. “And now it’s time for others to take the lead in the party.”
It is a watershed moment in New Jersey politics, one that has the potential to transform the state’s Democratic Party and revolutionise the way things are done in Trenton. His choice has ramifications for Democrats around the country since he has been a crucial behind-the-scenes fundraiser and recruiter.
Few people in American politics are as polarising as Norcross, who frequently skirted ideological lines and revelled in his leadership role in the state’s brutal political scene. He worked directly with governors and became a crucial ally of former Gov. Chris Christie, letting the Republican to ram his legislative agenda through a Democratic-led Legislature stacked with Norcross supporters.
Norcross obtained money for his brother from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and had a visit from former President Barack Obama to Camden — yet he spent New Year’s Eve at former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, where he was a member.
The legislative defeats in 2021 were a watershed moment for Norcross’ legendary South Jersey machine.
Sweeney was booted off a legislative redistricting commission after losing his position as New Jersey’s second-most powerful political official. And Norcross supporters on a congressional redistricting commission fought with fellow Democrats redrawing the map, potentially strengthening Rep. Donald Norcross’ district.
Earlier this year, George Norcross clashed with Sweeney’s replacement, state Sen. Nick Scutari, over campaign spending, resulting in insults. In addition, despite legislative elections in November, a super PAC affiliated with Norcross reported raising no funds in the first quarter of this year.
Norcross had discovered an odd ally in Christie a decade before. Norcross’ eight years in office were undoubtedly the pinnacle of his influence.
Christie, Norcross, and Sweeney effectively ran New Jersey, reducing pension and health benefits for public employees, passing tax-cutting legislation, overhauling the Camden police force, and overseeing programmes aimed at revitalising the city, which was once one of the poorest and most dangerous in the country.
Camden’s efforts have paid off in a variety of ways.
With decreased rates of murder and violent crime in the decade after its realignment, the new Camden County police force has been held up as a model for other agencies, and Obama visiting Camden to promote the city’s achievement. Cooper University Hospital, where Norcross serves as chair of the board of trustees, was on the verge of bankruptcy two decades ago but unveiled plans for a $2 billion expansion last year. The Leapfrog Group also gave the facility a ‘A’ rating for safety this week.
Despite coming under fire for tax advantages given to Camden businesses with which he has connections, including Cooper, Norcross has justified the use of corporate incentives as important investments to revitalise the area.
“The results have proven themselves,” he stated. “So we’re very proud of everything we’ve done.”
Norcross, on the other hand, said he spends roughly 90% of his time outside of New Jersey — he is now a resident of Florida — and is consumed with work for Cooper and the insurance agency he manages, Conner Strong & Buckelew. He stated that between that and certain leisure pursuits like golf and tennis, “it leaves me not a whole lot of time” to focus on politics.
“When you’ve been doing this for so many years, like I have, and you have this kind of devastating loss — there’s no other way to describe it — you probably find yourself a little less enthused,” he explained.
Norcross, on the other hand, would back Sweeney if he ran for governor in 2025.
Sweeney has made no secret of his desire to run, but his path back to the state capitol looks increasingly limited given the shifting power dynamics within the Democratic Party and the early candidacy of Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, a leading Democratic contender.
Norcross accepted the new scenario, stating state Democratic Party Chair LeRoy J. Jones Jr. and Middlesex County Democratic Party Chair Kevin McCabe “are the Democratic Party leaders in the state of New Jersey, without a doubt.”
Sweeney, on the other hand, is like family to Norcross, so if he runs for governor, “I will do whatever he asks me to do,” Norcross added.
“It remains to be seen where that goes,” he explained. “A lot can happen.”
