State Sen. John McKeon (D-West Orange) has withdrawn his name from consideration as a candidate for Attorney General, saying that his “work remains in the New Jersey State Senate.”
McKeon had actively sought the post in the past, and it’s possible that his removal from the process could indicate that Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill’s transition team told him he would not be selected. There had been speculation about that in recent weeks, and McKeon had already begun the vetting process.
An early supporter of Sherrill, McKeon spent months on the road as one of her key surrogates across New Jersey. He played Jack Ciattarelli in Sherrill’s debate preparations.
“While I am truly honored to be considered, I want to be unequivocal that my work remains in the New Jersey State Senate,” McKeon said.
While McKeon eyed the attorney general post in 2017 and again in 2021, the unexpected retirement of Richard J. Codey in 2023 gave him the opportunity to move into the Senate seat Codey had held for 42 years. McKeon had previously spent 22 years as an assemblyman and is a former mayor of West Orange.
He hinted that he might be more helpful to Sherrill in the legislature.
“In the early days of the Sherill administration, I will be eager to help advance consequential legislation that makes life better for every New Jerseyan,” McKeon said. “I am grateful for the confidence so many have placed in me. I remain fully committed to working tirelessly every day to move New Jersey forward.”
