Why a Progressive Democrat Was Dragged Out of the N.J. Senate – The New York Times
TRENTON, N.J. The confrontation was brief but explosive, and it laid bare the deepening fault lines within the Democratic Party in one of Americas bluest states.
New Jersey state troopers singled out Sue Altman, the leader of the left-leaning Working Families Alliance, grabbed her by the arms and forcibly removed her from a standing-room-only State Senate hearing on corporate tax breaks.
She was led past her main political rival, George E. Norcross III, a Democratic power broker who was at the hearing to testify in support of an $11 billion economic incentive program that Ms. Altman had criticized harshly and that is the subject of state investigations and subpoenas.
The imagery and its aftermath have roiled Trenton, exposing a generational and philosophical rift between progressive and mainstream Democrats that is mirrored nationwide.
The clash thrust Ms. Altman into the limelight and offered a vivid example of how the grass-roots energy in New Jersey that helped Democrats flip four seats in Congress last year has spilled into the State House.
It was not fun, Ms. Altman, 37, said of the confrontation. But, she added, it had underscored the current volatility in Trenton a perfect storm that she believes has created an opportunity to reshape New Jerseys political system.
Saily Avelenda, a lawyer from Essex County who worked to elect one of the four new Democrats, Representative Mikie Sherrill, said that New Jerseys progressive activists had deliberately shifted their focus from Washington to the state capital.
We created a conversation that wasnt there before, and, boy, do we need to have it, she said. It culminated in that one picture of Sue.
Images of the clash were shared widely on social media including by Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, a Democratic presidential candidate amplifying tensions between the Democratic factions that control the state government: lawmakers aligned with the progressive first-term governor, Philip D. Murphy, and those, including the powerful State Senate president, who are linked to Mr. Norcross.
Mr. Norcross, an insurance executive whose company and business associates benefited significantly from tax breaks passed under Mr. Murphys predecessor, Gov. Chris Christie, is widely regarded as the states most powerful unelected official.
His influence extends well beyond New Jersey. He is a member of both President Trumps Mar-a-Lago club and the Democratic National Committee. His brother, Representative Donald Norcross, is a Democrat who represents a South Jersey district.
Ms. Altmans ejection from the November hearing is being reviewed by the attorney general, and it is coloring the discussion of a range of issues, including the renewal of the corporate tax-break program and the fight for control of the Democratic State Committee.
The whole atmosphere here has changed somewhat, said Senator Loretta Weinberg, a Democrat who initially called Ms. Altmans removal one of the hearings disruptions, but later acknowledged that it was improper and embarrassing.
Ms. Altman became the leader of the Working Families Alliance in May, after the previous director left to help run Senator Bernie Sanderss presidential campaign.
A former prep-school history teacher with an M.B.A. from Oxford University, she speaks in rapid-fire sentences that pivot quickly in tone from policy wonk to street-savvy organizer.
She is at home in front of a power-point presentation, holding forth on what she sees as the ultimate prize: dismantling established political structures to make it viable for outsiders to run and win without the blessing of county bosses who still rule with tight fists in many parts of the state.
I want the whole thing to be rethought, she said in an interview at the rowhouse she rents in Camden.
To some people, Ms. Altmans background makes her an unlikely champion of Camden, one of the poorest cities in the United States. She is an Ivy-League educated former basketball star who was raised in Hunterdon County, an affluent enclave known for its horse farms.
Critics have said that Ms. Altman, who earns $75,000 in her new role, has been reluctant to speak out on issues that might upset the governor.
She was a registered Republican until 2008. My parents were, so I just signed up as them, she said. She later registered without a party affiliation before becoming a Democrat.
Her outspokenness about corporate tax breaks and her decision to live in Camden, a city seen as the Norcross familys inviolable power base, made her a ready target for opponents long before the contentious Senate hearing.
Felisha Reyes-Morton, a Camden councilwoman, said that she was tired of hearing Ms. Altman blame George Norcross and the tax breaks for everything that was wrong with the city.
I think she uses it to her advantage, not that shes a caring Camden resident, Ms. Reyes-Morton said.
Ms. Altman regularly spars with the powers-that-be on Twitter and seems to revel in the role of outside agitator. Barely a week into her job as the alliances director, she participated in a demonstration where protesters stood near an inflatable pig handing out fake million-dollar bills stamped with Mr. Norcrosss face.
She credits her years on the basketball court with making her comfortable in the political scrum. After leading her college team at Columbia University in scoring, she played professionally in Ireland and Germany. She went on to teach and coach at Blair Academy before studying at Oxford, where she also played basketball.
Youre going to get booed, she said. You still have to make your foul shots.
She is flirting with the possibility of making a primary run against Donald Norcross. I havent ruled it out, she said, despite taking no concrete steps toward a campaign.
A spokesman for the congressman declined to comment, but provided a list of re-election endorsements that include House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Planned Parenthood.
The alliance, a wing of a national labor-backed umbrella organization, cites New Jerseys adoption of a $15 minimum wage in February as a key victory. The groups legislative agenda syncs closely with the governors, and includes approving drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants, a so-called millionaires tax and the legalization of recreational marijuana.
When the Democratic Party is not fighting for progressive values, were going to fight the Democratic Party, said Kevin Brown, a vice president of the 32BJ Service Employees International Union, an alliance member.
A senior Murphy administration official who was not authorized to speak publicly said that in the past year Ms. Altman had influenced the debate in Trenton more than any other person, calling her a game changer.
A fellow Camden activist described her as fierce.
She doesnt have to stay here, said Ronsha Dickerson, 42, an African-American mother of six who works for an organization that has called for a moratorium on new charter schools in Camden. But shes chosen this space to really be committed to making change.
In college, Ms. Altman took up boxing to stay in shape. She picked it up again this past fall, parrying punches with the ease of a lifelong athlete during a recent workout.
As she left the gym, Wayne Shareef Jr., a boxing coach and trainer, jokingly cautioned her not to get in trouble.
I cant guarantee that, she said, chuckling.
A spokesman for George Norcross, Daniel Fee, bristled at the depiction of Ms. Altman as an independent reformer. He pointed to a $100,000 donation to the Working Families Alliance from New Direction New Jersey, a group aligned with Mr. Murphy, as evidence of her financial dependence on the governor.
The alliance is not required to disclose its donors, but Ms. Altman has been criticized for not doing so voluntarily.
I wouldnt ascribe to them any success other than getting media coverage, Mr. Fee said. The way to make change is to win elections, and so far they havent.
The well-oiled political organizations in New Jerseys 21 counties are skilled at nurturing obedience, in large part by controlling which candidates share the ballot line with incumbents. The structure makes it almost impossible for an insurgent to win a primary, as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez did in New York.
Its a self-fulfilling prophecy, said Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute. Once youve got the line, you hold the power to keep the line.
Perhaps nowhere is the schism within the Democratic Party clearer than in the fight over who will lead the state committee. The victor controls the partys purse strings, and the true prize: command over selecting a committee that will redraw the legislative map, a power that can make or break candidates and is a potent bargaining chip.
Ms. Avelenda was hired two weeks ago to be the campaign manager for Mr. Murphys choice, John Currie, the current state party chairman. Mr. Currie is locked in an uphill race against LeRoy Jones, who has the support of George Norcross and the Senate president, Stephen M. Sweeney.
If Mr. Currie loses, the governor will face re-election in 2021 with a party chairman he did not select, or want.
Ms. Altman welcomed the choice of Ms. Avelenda, who may be best known from a 2017 episode involving Rodney Frelinghuysen, to run Mr. Curries campaign.
That year, Mr. Frelinghuysen, New Jerseys most powerful member of Congress at the time, highlighted Ms. Avelendas political activism in a personal note attached to a fund-raising letter sent to a member of the board at the bank where she worked.
She resigned from the bank and devoted herself to electing a Democrat; Mr. Frelinghuysen decided not to seek re-election.
Love seeing the Dems recognize the talents of progressive women, Ms. Altman wrote on Twitter. Plus, we need a win.
Go here to read the rest:
Why a Progressive Democrat Was Dragged Out of the N.J. Senate - The New York Times
- Hunter Biden says Democrats lost election for not staying loyal to his father - The Washington Post - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- 'The powerful protecting the powerful': Democrats see an opening on Epstein - Politico - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Democrats demand Pam Bondi and Kash Patel be summoned for Epstein hearing - The Guardian - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- As Trump looks to net five GOP seats through Texas redistricting, Democrats grasp for response - The Texas Tribune - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Democrats are trolling Trump and the GOP over the Jeffrey Epstein case - AP News - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Democrats Broach Potential Walkout to Block Texas Redistricting - The New York Times - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Democrats Are Workshopping New Tactics After Losses of 2024 - The New York Times - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Mamdani Goes to Washington With Key Democrats in Congress Still on the Fence - THE CITY - NYC News - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Hunter Biden says Democrats lost election because they werent loyal to his father - The Hill - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Democrats bash Trump over Texas redistricting: Act of desperation to cling to power - The Hill - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Democrats raked in money in the Michigan and Illinois Senate races - Politico - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- House Democrats are trying to force the Trump administration to release the Epstein files - Axios - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- I don't want to talk to MAGA voters, but Epstein gives Democrats an in on Trump | Opinion - USA Today - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Danbury Democrats formally back Alves for second term as mayor: 'We can't afford to sit back now' - NewsTimes - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Democrats Accuse Trump of Ceding Global Influence to China - The New York Times - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Opinion | Moderate Democrats cant save their party if they dont fight for it - The Washington Post - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Democrats accuse Waltz of lying over Signalgate and berate him for not expressing regret - Politico - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Assaults on ICE officers surge 830% as Democrats caught 'doxing and physically assaulting' agents: DHS - Fox News - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Democrats find reasons for hope and fear six months into Trump 2.0 - The Hill - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Gavin Newsom as the Democrats' nominee in 2028? What's not to like? - Daily Herald - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Democrats must not abandon trans girls in sports - Bleeding Heartland - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Democrats pounce on Trump's blowup over Epstein - Axios - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Trump's White House accused Democrats of inciting violence against ICE but they have no receipts - MSNBC News - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Megabill may not be a silver bullet for Democrats in the midterms - Politico - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Young Democrats have called for a rebrand. Theyre vying to replace the partys old guard - AP News - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Takeaways from AP report on Democrats already lining up for the 2028 presidential race - CTPost - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Democrats urge town hall attendees to persevere, hope in face of Big Beautiful Bill - Maryland Matters - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Video: How the Democrats Lost on Transgender Issues - The New York Times - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Florida Democrats reveal what they saw inside Alligator Alcatraz on tour - Scripps News - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Why NC Democrats think 2026 midterms will run through Rocky Mount - WRAL.com - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- No, Democrats Arent Controlling the Weather. Neither Is Anyone Else. - Mother Jones - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- As Democrats spoil for a fight, a new face in the House is leading them on oversight - NPR - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Young Democrats have called for a rebrand. Theyre vying to replace the partys old guard - The Boston Globe - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Young Democrats have called for a rebrand. They're vying to replace the party's old guard - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Democrats push back on trio of Trump-backed crypto bills with Corruption Week blitz - dlnews.com - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Utah Democrats work to make sure their voices are heard at the national level - FOX 13 News Utah - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Contributor: Will Democrats find an anti-Trump to galvanize the left? - Los Angeles Times - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Democrats have blue dot dreams in Nebraska - Politico - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Democrats Should Prepare for the Return of Debt Politics - Washington Monthly - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Democrats Must Find Their Nerve And Fast - The National Herald - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Opinion | This Trial of the Century Is 100. Its Lessons Could Save the Democrats. - The New York Times - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Democrats Inspire Vicious, Escalating Attacks on ICE - The White House (.gov) - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- John Kerry says 'Trump was right', Democrats allowed migrant 'siege' of border - BBC - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- New Survey Results: RI Democrats and Republicans are living in different realities - Salve Regina University - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- DNC chair on the path to winning back voters and lessons Democrats can learn from Mamdani - PBS - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Top House Democrats demand release of Epstein files that mention Trump - The Guardian - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Jeffriess speech is proof that Democrats are just performative and reactionary - The Hill - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Mamdani's far-left allies aim to primary Hakeem Jeffries and other NYC House Democrats - Fox News - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Michigan Democrats begin highlighting constituents impacted by Medicaid cuts in Trump tax bill - Michigan Advance - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Gavin Newsom swings through South Carolina, where Democrats will play pivotal 2028 nominating role - AP News - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Democrats Ignored What Their Voters Were Telling ThemAnd It Cost Them Everything - Vanity Fair - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Republicans and Democrats Finally Agree on Nuclear. Its the Industry Thats the Problem. - Politico - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Hawley rebukes Democrats' heated rhetoric after attacks on ICE, border patrol facilities: 'Knock it off' - Fox News - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Opinion | The Gender Gap That Ate the Democrats - The New York Times - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Letter: Why Democrats are losing ground with minority voters - Reading Eagle - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Ex-gov says Democrats need to rally behind a mayoral candidate, just not Mamdani - PIX11 - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Beyond Democrats and Republicans, CT legislators split into special interests. See what they are. - Hartford Courant - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- After Mamdanis Win, Some Democrats Are Determined to Stop Him - The New York Times - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Democrats retreat on climate: Its one of the more disappointing turnabouts - Politico - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Gavin Newsom swings through South Carolina, where Democrats will play pivotal 2028 nominating role - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Democrats call for probe into National Weather Service cuts after Texas floods - MSNBC News - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- "There needs to be blood": Democrats' voters tell them to "get shot" in Trump resistance push - Axios - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Democrats demand CISA explain how its supporting election offices - StateScoop - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Media, Democrats try to blame Trump for Texas flood deaths - Washington Times - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Gavin Newsom swings through South Carolina, where Democrats will play pivotal 2028 nominating role - AJC.com - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Democrats try to spoil Trumps victory party by slamming his greatest domestic win - CNN - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Democrats 'seem to think that poor people are stupid,' Scott Bessent says - Politico - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Opinion | Six things Democrats need to do if they want to win elections again - The Washington Post - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Trump's $5 trillion debt ceiling strategy could force Democrats to the negotiating table - Fox Business - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- How Democrats Will Make Trump Own His Disastrous Spending Bill - Crooked Media - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Opinion | D.C. Democrats tarnish themselves by resisting ranked-choice voting - The Washington Post - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Democrats might be overthinking strategy to recapture voters - The Hill - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Congressional District 7 race: Democrats Grijalva, Hernandez lead the pack in fundraising - KJZZ - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Democrats Must Find Their Nerve - And Fast - CityWatch LA - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- What Democrats Think They Can Learn From Zohran Mamdani - NOTUS - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Virginia Democrats are eyeing 13 potential seats that could flip blue this year - WVTF - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Democrats call for probes of deadly Kerr County flooding to discover what went wrong - Dallas News - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Democrats trying to field candidate slate to win first statewide race in 32 years - Texarkana Gazette - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- These Democrats have forgotten who they represent, GOP lawmaker says - Fox News - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Opinion | Democrats in Race to Separate Themselves from Biden - WSJ - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]