In No Particular Order

Kevin Walsh – NJ State Comptroller, Open Government Jedi Master, and Prince of 0 Ducks (but with an “F”) Given

Kevin Walsh has been unwavering in his commitment to improving New Jersey’s government. He has fiercely advocated for transparency through OPRA, taken on systemic issues within law enforcement, and stood up to entrenched party bosses across the state without hesitation. His willingness to challenge the status quo has earned him few friends in government circles, with powerful figures like Norcross who have worked to ensure the word “Acting” remains in his title.

It’s precisely this resistance from political machines that highlights why Walsh is so indispensable.  In just this year, his office has conducted eighteen investigations, exposing misconduct and corruption in New Jersey’s policing, municipal government, healthcare systems, and the education sector.

The Fourth Estate: McDonald, DiFilippo, Nieto-Muñoz, Biryukov (New Jersey Monitor), Laura Waters (NJ Education Report) and Shofed, Taylor and Knapp (The Jersey Vindicator)

With local media outlets either disappearing or devolving into public relations arms for municipal and state political machines, these independent outlets fulfill a critical need in New Jersey. The NJ Monitor delivers comprehensive coverage of state-level issues with depth and clarity, while NJ Education Report addresses a crucial gap by highlighting stories and information about our schools that might otherwise be buried or ignored altogether. Meanwhile, the Jersey Vindicator excels in investigative journalism, diving deep into significant issues and providing meaningful insights.

Together, these outlets play a vital role in keeping residents informed and empowered, offering some of the few remaining sources of genuine, impactful reporting in the state.

Paula White and the Team at JerseyCan

Ms. White and her team are an absolute treasure in New Jersey, making remarkable strides in advancing educational outcomes for all students across the state. It’s rare to find a state-level organization that excels in producing high-quality research while simultaneously driving meaningful change through legislative advocacy—but JerseyCAN does just that, and with an infectious enthusiasm.

Their work serves as an invaluable resource for families, keeping them informed about the state of our schools and empowering them with actionable solutions for improvement. JerseyCAN’s dedication and impact make it a cornerstone in the effort to ensure a brighter future for education in New Jersey.

Antoinette Miles- State Director at NJ Working Families Party

The hardest-working woman in Government, Miles has coordinated efforts to educate and mobilize the public on important issues this year, including OPRA and the Ballot Reform. Her strategic partnerships this year with organizations such as the ACLU and the NJ League of Women Voters have been instrumental in informing and engaging communities across the state. Not one to stay behind the scenes, Miles consistently advocates for these causes directly in front of state legislators, ensuring the voices of everyday people are heard loud and clear.  

Brian Bergen – Assemblyman -26th District, Minority Whip

Brian Bergen has a knack for throwing political grenades and delivering sharp, pointed questions that leave his colleagues scrambling for answers—especially when they’re trying to push through bad legislation. His impassioned defense of OPRA earlier this year was nothing short of legendary, cementing his reputation as a staunch advocate for transparency.

More recently, Bergen delivered a scathing critique of West New York’s Gabe Rodriguez for diverting $3 million from the state’s property tax relief fund to finance a multi-million-dollar recreation center—a project Rodriguez refused to provide answers about.  

Dawn Fantasia- Assemblywoman, 24 District

In addition to her unwavering opposition to the OPRA Destruction Act, Fantasia has quickly gained a reputation as a sharp and dynamic figure in the Assembly. With a Disney-esque last name and her witty, engaging presence on Facebook, she doesn’t shy away from calling out misguided policies. My personal favorites are the jabs she takes at bear-proof garbage cans.

Fantasia’s strong background in education, paired with her agrarian sensibilities, has made her a compelling and relatable voice in the Assembly. Despite this being her first year in the role, she has already established herself as one of the chamber’s most effective communicators, skillfully blending passion, practicality, and humor to advocate for her constituents.

Like everyone on this list, I may not agree with all of her positions, but her authenticity is a refreshing change. On the issues that mattered most this year, she delivered when it counted.

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