POLITICKERNJ’s 50 Most Powerful Elected Officials: 2015

1. Chris Christie

It’s the powerful nature of the New Jersey governorship (or a statement about the water treading capacities of the rest of New Jersey’s politicians) that a largely absent Christie remains number one

2. Cory Booker

He’s entering the headiest section of a heady political career as the junior senator from New Jersey prepares to appear astonished – but capably available – but the inevitable upsurge of VP buzz as Hillary Clinton heads into 2016.

3. Bob Menendez

Under indictment, the senior U.S. Senator slid from a strong second on this list to a weak third as he attempts to save his flailing political career in federal court.

4. Steve Sweeney

The Senate President has a deft political touch and is good with people. But his longstanding association with Christie could pose trouble for him as he continues to gear up for a 2017 gubernatorial run. South Jersey’s longtime domination legislatively during the Christie years could also produce political problems in a Democratic Primary.

5. Steven Fulop

Running for governor in 2017, the Mayor of Jersey City has a very strong regional base in Jersey City, strong alliances with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Paterson Mayor Jose “Joey” Torres, and a solid position within the () of the newly formed quad Northern Alliance of Passaic, Hudson, Bergen and Essex counties.

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