In New Jersey politics, authority on paper often tells only part of the story. Real influence comes from leverage that exists beyond formal titles: who can stall action without taking a vote, who others consult before moving forward, who commands loyalty across institutions, and who can shape outcomes without appearing to do so.

To assess political influence in 2026, NJBallot examined not only officeholders’ positions, but their informal power — the networks they command, the pressure they can apply, and the dependencies they create across government and politics.

This index reflects where power actually accumulates in New Jersey today.

How Influence Is Measured

This ranking considers:

• Control over political timing and agenda flow
• Depth of relationships across branches of government
• Ability to quietly block or redirect outcomes
• Influence over donors, interest groups, and party infrastructure
• Role in shaping narratives before public debate begins

The 10 Most Influential Politicians in New Jersey

1. Governor Mikie Sherrill

Sherrill’s influence extends well beyond executive authority. As governor, she sits at the intersection of state government, national Democratic politics, and federal-state legal conflict. That positioning creates leverage long before formal decisions are made.

Legislative leaders, agency heads, and outside stakeholders routinely calibrate their actions around her likely response. Much of the negotiation that defines New Jersey politics happens upstream, shaped by the expectation of executive approval or resistance. Sherrill also benefits from strong alignment with national party networks, allowing her to pull in resources and attention that amplify her position at home.

Power reality: decisions are often adjusted before reaching her desk.

2. Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Dale G. Caldwell

Caldwell’s influence lies in coordination and institutional reach rather than visibility. Operating across executive agencies and administrative systems, he functions as a connective figure between policy intent and execution.

Beyond formal duties, the lieutenant governor’s office is often where friction is resolved quietly — aligning agencies, smoothing legislative concerns, and ensuring initiatives do not stall internally. Holding the Secretary of State role further expands this reach into areas that shape the political environment itself, including public engagement and statewide administrative processes.

Power reality: he controls flow, not headlines.

3. Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari

Scutari’s power is rooted in his ability to decide what never happens. In New Jersey’s Legislature, most policy battles are settled before they reach the floor. As Senate President, Scutari is the central gatekeeper in that process.

His influence is reinforced by longstanding relationships with caucus members, executive officials, and lobbying interests. Lawmakers often negotiate positions privately, knowing that public conflict without his backing leads nowhere. This creates a system where alignment is incentivized and opposition is quietly discouraged.

Power reality: absence from the agenda is often the final outcome.

4. Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin

Coughlin’s influence flows from his control over timing and internal cohesion. In the Assembly, when something moves is often as important as whether it moves at all.

Beyond procedural authority, the Speaker holds significant informal power over committee assignments, legislative visibility, and internal advancement. This creates a loyalty structure that shapes behavior long before votes are cast. Members understand that cooperation affects not just policy outcomes, but political survival.

Power reality: leverage comes from sequencing and reward.

5. Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz

Ruiz’s influence is largely invisible to the public but decisive internally. She operates where vote counts are tested, alliances are formed, and proposals are either strengthened or quietly shelved.

Her role places her at the center of caucus trust. Members rely on her assessment of what can pass, which gives her substantial sway over legislative direction. When Ruiz signals hesitation, momentum often disappears without explanation.

Power reality: she governs viability.

6. Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald

Greenwald’s power stems from experience and institutional memory. As a long-serving leader, he understands the pressure points within the Assembly and how to apply them.

He is frequently involved in shaping compromises that never become public, influencing not only final language but the structure of deals themselves. His presence in negotiations signals seriousness — and his absence often signals failure.

Power reality: he shapes outcomes before they are announced.

7. Senate Minority Leader Anthony M. Bucco

Bucco’s influence is not derived from control, but from disruption. In closely contested or politically sensitive debates, minority leaders can complicate timelines, elevate scrutiny, and force concessions.

Bucco’s value lies in his ability to mobilize opposition strategically, applying pressure where the majority least wants attention. That leverage grows when public sentiment or electoral optics matter.

Power reality: he increases the cost of action.

8. Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio

DiMaio wields influence by organizing resistance and framing consequences. In the Assembly, his role often determines whether bipartisan cooperation is possible or politically costly.

By controlling caucus messaging and unity, he can stall initiatives or reshape them through negotiation. In a chamber where margins matter, that leverage is real.

Power reality: he controls friction.

9. U.S. Senator Cory Booker

Booker’s influence is amplified by his national stature. Federal agencies, advocacy groups, and donors treat his positions as signals, which often shapes how New Jersey issues are handled in Washington.

That influence flows back into state politics, where alignment with federal priorities can determine funding, visibility, and long-term viability of initiatives. Booker’s reach extends into narrative power as well — shaping how New Jersey is perceived beyond its borders.

Power reality: national gravity creates local leverage.

10. U.S. Senator Andy Kim

Kim’s power lies in policy depth and federal oversight. Senators exercise influence through committee work, appropriations, and agency pressure — areas largely invisible to the public but deeply consequential.

In an environment where federal decisions frequently override or constrain state action, this leverage carries significant weight. Kim’s role allows him to shape outcomes that state officials must then adapt to.

Power reality: federal decisions define state limits.

Why Some Prominent Figures Are Absent

New Jersey has influential mayors, county leaders, and political organizers. However, this index focuses on individuals whose influence consistently reaches statewide decision-making. Regional dominance does not always translate into control over statewide outcomes.

What to Watch Going Forward

Influence shifts when:

• Internal leadership changes occur
• Budget negotiations expose fractures
• Investigations alter leverage
• Federal-state conflicts intensify

NJBallot will continue tracking these dynamics as New Jersey’s power structure evolves.

Sources

New Jersey Legislature leadership records

New Jersey Governor’s Office organizational structure

State legislative session materials (2026)

U.S. Senate official member listings

Regional and state reporting on New Jersey political leadership