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Jon Bramnick
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Jon M. Bramnick (born February 24, 1953) is an American Republican Party politician who has served in the New Jersey Senate since 2022, representing the 21st legislative district. He previously served in the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 21st Legislative District from 2003 to 2022, where he was the Assembly Republican Leader from January 2012 to January 2022.[1] He was appointed to the Assembly in 2003 to fill the unexpired term of the vacancy created upon the selection of Thomas Kean Jr. to fill an unexpired New Jersey Senate term.[2] He was elected to a full two-year term later that year and was re-elected in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019. He was elected to the New Jersey Senate in 2021 and was re-elected in 2023.[3]
Key Information
In January 2024, Bramnick announced he was running for Governor of New Jersey in 2025, but lost in the primary with 6.2% of the vote. Bramnick is a moderate, anti-Donald Trump Republican.
Early life
[edit]Bramnick was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey, to his father Herbert X. Bramnick, and his wife, Babette. His parents ran Lazaar's Stationers, a stationary supply business in Plainfield. He graduated from Plainfield High School, received a B.A. in political science from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University and was awarded a J.D. from the Hofstra University School of Law.[4][5]
Before becoming an Assemblyman, Bramnick served two terms on the Plainfield City Council from 1984 to 1991 for the second ward.[4][6][7] In 1998, Bramnick ran for the Westfield City Council for the first ward.[8] He won the primary,[9] however he lost the general election.[10] He is the Republican Municipal Chairman in Westfield, where he resides with his family. Bramnick is a former professor at both Rutgers University and Rider University. Following his graduation from law school, he served as an assistant corporation counsel in New York City. He is an attorney with a private practice in Scotch Plains, New Jersey with the firm of Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan.[11][12][13]
New Jersey Assembly
[edit]Following the appointment of Tom Kean Jr. to the State Senate, a vacancy opened up in the 21st District's Assembly delegation. Bramnick won the most ballots of a vote by members of the Essex, Morris, Somerset, and Union county Republican committee persons of the district beating former Assemblyman James J. Barry Jr., Millburn mayor Thomas McDermott, and Warren Township Planning Board chairman Dan Gallic.[14] In December 2005, he was appointed Assistant Minority Whip of the Assembly for the 2006–2008 term. In June 2007, Bramnick was selected as the Minority Whip, succeeding Francis J. Blee.[15] In November 2009, he was elected as the Republican Conference Leader, the second-highest leadership position in the Republican caucus. In the Assembly, he has served as Vice Chair of the Legislative Services Commission.[4]
After the death of Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce in January 2012, the Assembly Republican caucus chose Bramnick as its new leader.[16] Bramnick has been honored with the 2013 Governor Meyner Award from the Bar Association and the 2011 Legislator of the Year award from the Chamber of Commerce. He was named 2013 Legislator of the Year by the New Jersey Conference of Mayors and was honored at Rider University for his dedication to New Jersey politics and public service.[11] On January 3, 2017, Bramnick announced that he would not run for New Jersey governor in 2017, as he was seen as a potential frontrunner for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.
Committee assignments
[edit]Committee assignments for the 2024—2025 Legislative Session are:[4]
- Commerce
- Judiciary
District 21
[edit]Each of the 40 districts in the New Jersey Legislature has one representative in the New Jersey Senate and two members in the New Jersey General Assembly.[17] The representatives from the 21st District for the 2024—2025 Legislative Session are:[18]
- Senator Jon Bramnick (R)
- Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis (R)
- Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz (R)
Gubernatorial campaign
[edit]In January 2024, Bramnick announced he was running for Governor of New Jersey in 2025.[19][20] In the Republican primary, Bramnick placed third out of five candidates with 6.2% of the vote.[21]
Political positions
[edit]Bramnick is widely described as a moderate Republican who is opposed to Donald Trump.[22][23][24][25][26]
Abortion
[edit]Bramnick supports abortion rights,[27][28] and described himself as being in favor of Roe v. Wade. In 2022, he abstained on a vote to codify abortion into New Jersey state law, saying that the bill "went too far."[29] In 2024, he described himself as "a pro-choice Republican."[30]
Donald Trump
[edit]Bramnick has been critical of president Donald Trump,[31][32] with a NorthJersey.com article describing him as a "Never Trumper".[22] He has criticised Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election, saying "I think it is dangerous to democracy that anytime a president who says, 'I won,' and then says there is illegality and fraud, and then does not produce it".[22] In 2022, Bramnick said that Trump's presidency "caused a problem for the Republican brand", adding that "ever since January 6, people are concerned whether or not they can trust the Republicans."[25]
Drugs
[edit]Bramnick is an opponent of the legalization of recreational marijuana, saying he "doesn't deny" using marijuana while in college but is "not a fan" of its legalization.[33][34][35]
Guns
[edit]Bramnick received an "A+" rating from the NRA Political Victory Fund in 2015 and 2017,[36] though this declined to a "C" grade for 2019, 2021 and 2023.[37][38] During the 2019 electoral campaign, Bramnick was accused by his opponents of being an opponent of gun control. Bramnick rejected these claims, saying he had voted for universal background checks and limiting handgun purchases, and that he supported a federal ban on assault weapons.[39]
LGBT rights
[edit]In 2013, Governor Chris Christie vetoed a bill that would have legalized gay marriage in New Jersey. Bramnick opposed gay marriage[40] and expressed his agreement with the governor.[41] Bramnick described marriage equality as not being a civil rights issue, rather "something for the voters".[42] When Christie decided not to appeal New Jersey's Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage, Bramnick said it was "a smart thing" to not appeal.[43] In 2021, Bramnick abstained on the bill that codified marriage equality into law in New Jersey.[44]
Personal life
[edit]Bramnick holds the honorary title of "Funniest Lawyer in New Jersey" after winning contests sponsored by the bar association at Rascals Comedy Club. He often volunteers his services as a comedic auctioneer on behalf of non-profit organizations including Hurricane Sandy victims.[5][45] Bramnick resides in Westfield, New Jersey with his wife Patricia (married in 1981), and has two grown children and a granddaughter.[5][46] He is Jewish.[47]
On March 11, 2019, Bramnick self-published a book titled Why People Don't Like You which is a comedy book about social skills.[48]
Electoral history
[edit]New Jersey Senate
[edit]| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jon Bramnick | 34,435 | 53.5 | ||
| Democratic | Matt Marino | 29,948 | 46.5 | ||
| Total votes | 64,383 | 100.0 | |||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jon Bramnick | 44,254 | 53.6 | ||
| Democratic | Joseph Signorello III | 38,237 | 46.4 | ||
| Total votes | 82,491 | 100.0 | |||
New Jersey Assembly
[edit]| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jon Bramnick (incumbent) | 28,787 | 26.31% | ||
| Republican | Nancy Munoz (incumbent) | 28,079 | 25.66% | ||
| Democratic | Lisa Mandelblatt | 25,452 | 23.26% | ||
| Democratic | Stacey Gunderman | 24,865 | 22.73% | ||
| Independent Conservative | Martin Marks | 1,147 | 1.05% | ||
| Independent Conservative | Harris Pappas | 1,081 | 0.99% | ||
| Total votes | 109,411 | 100% | |||
| Republican hold | |||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jon Bramnick (Incumbent) | 35,283 | 26.4 | ||
| Republican | Nancy Munoz (Incumbent) | 34,273 | 25.7 | ||
| Democratic | Lacey Rzeszowski | 32,719 | 24.5 | ||
| Democratic | Bruce H. Bergen | 31,248 | 23.4 | ||
| Total votes | 133,523 | 100.0 | |||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jon Bramnick (Incumbent) | 20,024 | 29.9 | ||
| Republican | Nancy Munoz (Incumbent) | 19,783 | 29.5 | ||
| Democratic | Jill Anne LaZare | 13,804 | 20.6 | ||
| Democratic | David Barnett | 13,378 | 20.0 | ||
| Total votes | 66,989 | 100.0 | |||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jon Bramnick (Incumbent) | 38,556 | 32.9 | ||
| Republican | Nancy Munoz (Incumbent) | 37,314 | 31.9 | ||
| Democratic | Jill Anne LaZare | 21,129 | 18.1 | ||
| Democratic | Norman W. Albert | 20,045 | 17.1 | ||
| Total votes | 117,044 | 100.0 | |||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Nancy Munoz (Incumbent) | 25,491 | 31.9 | |
| Republican | Jon Bramnick (Incumbent) | 25,303 | 31.7 | |
| Democratic | Bruce H. Bergen | 13,878 | 17.4 | |
| Democratic | Norman W. Albert | 13,864 | 17.4 | |
| Libertarian | Darren Young | 1,324 | 1.7 | |
| Total votes | 79,860 | 100.0 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Nancy Munoz (Incumbent) | 45,515 | 32.5 | ||
| Republican | Jon Bramnick (Incumbent) | 45,439 | 32.4 | ||
| Democratic | Bruce Bergen | 24,848 | 17.7 | ||
| Democratic | Norman Albert | 24,240 | 17.3 | ||
| Total votes | 140,042 | 100.0 | |||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Eric Munoz (Incumbent) | 27,496 | 29.1 | ||
| Republican | Jon Bramnick (Incumbent) | 27,322 | 28.9 | ||
| Democratic | Bruce Bergen | 17,937 | 19.0 | ||
| Democratic | Norman Albert | 17,629 | 18.6 | ||
| Green | George DeCarlo | 1,245 | 1.3 | N/A | |
| Green | Ryan P. Reyes | 1,180 | 1.2 | N/A | |
| Libertarian | Darren Young | 900 | 1.0 | N/A | |
| Libertarian | Jeff Hetrick | 850 | 0.9 | N/A | |
| Total votes | 94,559 | 100.0 | |||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Eric Munoz (Incumbent) | 40,839 | 29.6 | ||
| Republican | Jon Bramnick (Incumbent) | 40,123 | 29.1 | ||
| Democratic | Bruce Bergen | 28,595 | 20.7 | ||
| Democratic | Steven Merman | 28,319 | 20.5 | ||
| Total votes | 137,876 | 100.0 | |||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Eric Munoz (Incumbent) | 27,626 | 29.9 | ||
| Republican | Jon Bramnick (Incumbent) | 26,714 | 28.9 | ||
| Democratic | Ellen Steinberg | 19,602 | 21.2 | ||
| Democratic | Norman W. Albert | 16,087 | 17.4 | ||
| Green | George DeCarlo | 1,045 | 1.1 | N/A | |
| Green | Ryan Reyes | 987 | 1.1 | N/A | |
| Unemployed | Joshua Jacobs | 464 | 0.5 | N/A | |
| Total votes | 92,525 | 100.0 | |||
References
[edit]- ^ "Legislature swears in 21 new members as 220th session begins". New Jersey Globe. January 11, 2022. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
- ^ Harrell, Jeff. (April 9, 2003). "Secession wave gathers strength: Montclairites start petition drive to leave county". The Montclair Times. Archived from the original on June 19, 2003. Retrieved September 12, 2015.
In February, after Sen. Thomas Kean Jr. vacated the 21st District Assembly seat and stepped into the 21st District's senatorial post upon the resignation of former 21st District Sen. Rich Bagger, McDermott ran for Kean's vacated Assembly position in the district. But out of a total of roughly 500 delegates that voted for the 21st District's Assembly chair at the special Republican Convention held in February, McDermott could only muster 25 votes from the Millburn delegation and one vote from another county. Jon Bramnick from Westfield garnered the most votes, mostly from the nine municipalities in his home county of Union, and won the district's Assembly seat handily
- ^ "Bramnick, Matsikoudis, Muñoz win in the 21st district - New Jersey Globe". November 3, 2021.
- ^ a b c d Senator Jon M. Bramnick (R), New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 23, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick". New Jersey Assembly Republicans. Retrieved September 12, 2015.
- ^ "The Courier-News 20 Nov 1984, page Page 7".
- ^ "The Courier-News 07 Aug 1991, page Page 19".
- ^ "Mr. Brammick, Mrs. Lund Join '98 GOP Ticket" (PDF). The Westfield Leader. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 18, 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
- ^ "The Courier-News 03 Jun 1998, page Page 16".
- ^ "The Courier-News 04 Nov 1998, page Page 20".
- ^ a b The 2015 Lincoln Award Presented to New Jersey Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick, Woodcliff Lake republican Club. Accessed November 23, 2016.
- ^ Jon M. Bramnick Profile, Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan. Accessed November 23, 2016.
- ^ Leadership Archived November 24, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Union County Republican Committee. Accessed November 23, 2016.
- ^ "Union bloc backs Bramnick over Barry in 21st - Westfield GOP chairman wins district convention for state Assembly seat". New Jersey Hills Media Group. February 20, 2003. Retrieved September 12, 2015.
- ^ Pizarro, Max. "Bramnick in as whip", PolitickerNJ.com, June 11, 2007. Retrieved on June 13, 2009.
- ^ "New Jersey GOP Elects Bramnick New Majority Leader - CBS New York". www.cbsnews.com. January 17, 2012.
- ^ New Jersey State Constitution 1947 (Updated Through Amendments Adopted in November, 2020): Article IV, Section II, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 28, 2022.
- ^ Legislative Roster for District 21, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 23, 2024.
- ^ Friedman, Matt. "Anti-Trump NJ state Sen. Jon Bramnick launches bid for governor", Politico, January 27, 2024. Accessed January 28, 2024. "New Jersey state Sen. Jon Bramnick, a proud moderate who moonlights as a stand-up comic, became the first Republican to formally announce his candidacy for governor on Saturday."
- ^ Wildstein, David. "Bramnick joins race for N.J. governor", New Jersey Globe, January 27, 2024. Accessed January 28, 2024. "Jon Bramnick, a moderate state senator with a penchant for lower taxes and more civility in politics – and a fierce critic of former President Donald Trump — announced today that he will seek the Republican nomination for governor of New Jersey in 2025 with a message that 'hateful rhetoric is a threat to our democracy and a terrible message to our children.'"
- ^ "GOP voters pick ex-assemblyman as nominee for New Jersey governor". News From The States. Retrieved June 11, 2025.
- ^ a b c Stile, Charles. "In a Trump-dominated GOP, a Jersey moderate won't run for governor | Stile". North Jersey Media Group. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ Wildstein, David (November 8, 2023). "After winning re-election, Bramnick throws a punch at Spadea". New Jersey Globe. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ "POLITICO Pro". subscriber.politicopro.com. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ a b "Trump 'hurt the GOP brand': N.J. state senator explains strategy to woo voters". WHYY. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ Friedman, Matt (April 7, 2025). "An anti-Trump Republican for governor tries to defy gravity in New Jersey's primary". POLITICO. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
- ^ "Bramnick and the moderate LG option". Observer. June 30, 2009. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ Symons, Michael (June 28, 2022). "What NJ is doing to protect out-of-state women seeking abortion". New Jersey 101.5. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ Fox, Joey (January 18, 2022). "Who were the holdouts on the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act?". New Jersey Globe. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ Biryukov, Nikita; New Jersey Monitor (January 27, 2024). "Republican Jon Bramnick launches long-expected gubernatorial campaign". New Jersey Monitor. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- ^ Friedman, Matt (October 23, 2020). "'I'm going to do what's right': Bramnick criticism of Trump could hurt his statewide prospects". POLITICO. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ "In a post - Trump era, a Governor Jon Bramnick could Dislodge the NJGOP from the Cult of Maga". Insider NJ. September 15, 2022. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ Hefler, Jan (October 17, 2016). "NJ legislators get a whiff of Colorado's pot industry: "We want to do it right.'". Inquirer.com. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ Trevelise, Steve (July 25, 2018). "Jon Bramnick opens up on Murphy, marijuana". New Jersey 101.5. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ Trevelise, Steve (March 26, 2019). "Bramnick, 'marijuana no votes were hard, not shaky'". New Jersey 101.5. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ "NRA-PVF | Grades | New Jersey". NRAPVF. Archived from the original on September 28, 2017.
- ^ "NRA-PVF | Grades | New Jersey". NRAPVF. Archived from the original on November 5, 2023.
- ^ "NRA-PVF | Grades | New Jersey". NRAPVF. Archived from the original on November 2, 2021.
- ^ Wildstein, David (August 9, 2019). "Bramnick claims Democrats are lying about his record on guns". New Jersey Globe. Archived from the original on August 10, 2020. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ Katz, Matt (July 3, 2013). "Democrats to Christie: Untie Republicans' hands on gay marriage". Inquirer.com. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ "On Gay Marriage, NJ State Senate President Sweeney Vows Override of Christie's Veto | WNYC | New York Public Radio, Podcasts, Live Streaming Radio, News". WNYC. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ McArdle, Kevin (February 16, 2012). "Gay Marriage Bill Expected To Pass Today, Governor Christie Vows Veto [AUDIO]". New Jersey 101.5. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ NJTV News | Bramnick Says Christie Is Smart to Drop Appeal, retrieved January 31, 2024
- ^ "New Jersey S3416 | 2020-2021 | Regular Session". LegiScan. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
- ^ Bell, Deborah (November 13, 2013). "Assembly Republican Leader Promises Laughs for Sandy Relief". Patch Media Group. Retrieved September 12, 2015.
- ^ Manual of the Legislature of New Jersey - Two Hundred and Eleventh Legislature (First Session) (PDF). Skinder-Strauss Associates. 2004. p. 272. Retrieved September 12, 2015.
- ^ "Assemblyman O'Bramnick? - The Auditor". NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. April 12, 2015. Retrieved September 12, 2015.
'I need an Irish name if I run statewide,' said Bramnick, who's Jewish.
- ^ "Jon Bramnick Knows Why People Don't Like You". TAPinto. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
- ^ "Official List, Candidates for State Senate For GENERAL ELECTION 11/07/2023 Election" (PDF). Secretary of State of New Jersey. December 6, 2023. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
- ^ "Official List, Candidates for State Senate For GENERAL ELECTION 11/02/2021 Election" (PDF). Secretary of State of New Jersey. November 30, 2021. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
- ^ "Official List, Candidates for General Assembly For PRIMARY ELECTION 06/04/2019 Election" (PDF). Secretary of State of New Jersey. April 11, 2019. Retrieved April 28, 2019.
- ^ "2017-official-general-election-results-general-assembly.pdf" (PDF). New Jersey Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 21, 2019. Retrieved April 21, 2019.
- ^ "2015-official-ge-results-nj-general-assembly.pdf" (PDF). New Jersey Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 30, 2017. Retrieved April 21, 2019.
- ^ "2013-official-general-election-results-general-assembly.pdf" (PDF). New Jersey Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 7, 2018. Retrieved April 21, 2019.
- ^ "2011-official-gen-elect-gen-assembly-results-121411.pdf" (PDF). New Jersey Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 14, 2018. Retrieved April 21, 2019.
- ^ "2009-official-gen-elect-gen-assembly-tallies-120109.pdf" (PDF). New Jersey Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 4, 2018. Retrieved April 21, 2019.
- ^ "2007-official-general-election-tallies(ga)-12.12.07.pdf" (PDF). New Jersey Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 21, 2019.
- ^ "05831236.pdf" (PDF). New Jersey Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 11, 2018. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
- ^ "2003g_a_candidate_tally.pdf" (PDF). New Jersey Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 5, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
External links
[edit]Jon Bramnick
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Upbringing and family background
Jon Bramnick is the son of Herbert X. Bramnick and Babette Bramnick, with a brother named Jim.[7] His father, who died on December 31, 2002, at age 85, owned and operated Lazaar's, a store in Plainfield, New Jersey.[8] Bramnick has described his mother as the one who chose the unconventional middle initial "X" for his father, reflecting a personal family quirk.[8] Bramnick has frequently highlighted his father's influence on his values, noting Herbert's consistent treatment of everyone with respect and civility as a foundational example, especially amid contemporary political divisions.[9][10] This upbringing in a family connected to Plainfield's local business community shaped his early exposure to community interactions, though specific details of his childhood residence remain tied to that area before his later move to Westfield.[11]Academic pursuits
Bramnick earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Syracuse University in 1975.[12] During his undergraduate studies, he was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society, recognizing scholarly achievement in the liberal arts and sciences.[13] He subsequently attended Hofstra University School of Law, receiving a Juris Doctor degree in 1978.[12] These qualifications formed the foundation for his subsequent legal career.[14]Legal and professional career
Practice as a civil trial attorney
Bramnick commenced his legal career as a trial attorney in the Office of the Corporation Counsel for the City of New York, Bronx Division, serving from 1979 to 1980.[15] In this role, he handled civil litigation matters on behalf of the city, gaining initial courtroom experience in municipal defense cases.[15] In 1984, Bramnick established his own law firm in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, initially operating as Bramnick Law and later expanding to Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC.[16] The firm focuses on civil trial work, with Bramnick specializing in representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases arising from automobile accidents, workplace injuries, and other negligence claims.[15] He has litigated cases across New Jersey state courts, emphasizing trial advocacy for accident victims seeking compensation.[15] Bramnick holds certification as a civil trial attorney from the Supreme Court of New Jersey, a designation requiring demonstrated proficiency through examinations, peer reviews, and substantial trial experience.[17] Over more than four decades, he has accumulated extensive courtroom practice, including jury trials and settlements in personal injury litigation.[17] Additionally, he co-authored the chapter on New Jersey Automobile Litigation in the Institute for Continuing Legal Education's Civil Trial Preparation book, contributing to professional resources for trial practitioners.[13] Bramnick has lectured frequently for legal organizations on trial techniques and civil procedure.[18] The firm's practice also encompasses related areas such as workers' compensation, first-party insurance claims, and general civil litigation, though Bramnick's primary emphasis remains on civil trials for injured clients.[16]Founding and role at Bramnick Law
Jon M. Bramnick founded his law firm in 1984 as a solo practice after working as a trial attorney at Friedlander, Gaines, Cohen, Rosenthal and Rosenberg from 1980 to 1984.[15] The firm, initially operating under variations of Bramnick's name and later expanding to Bramnick, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC, specializes in personal injury litigation, workers' compensation, and criminal defense, with offices in Scotch Plains and Florham Park, New Jersey.[19] Under Bramnick's leadership, it grew from a one-person operation to a multi-attorney practice, securing multimillion-dollar settlements such as $5.5 million in a motorcycle accident case and $4 million in a bus accident matter.[19] As founding partner, Bramnick maintains an active role as a certified civil trial attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court, a designation earned in 1986, concentrating on representing accident victims in trials across the state.[15] [20] He has contributed to legal education as a lecturer for the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education and the American Association for Justice, and co-authored a chapter on New Jersey automobile litigation in the ICLE Civil Trial Preparation book.[15] Despite his concurrent political service in the New Jersey Legislature since 2003, Bramnick continues to oversee firm operations and handle cases, including notable recoveries like $2.5 million in a Middlesex County auto accident verdict.[15] His professional accolades include selection as a New Jersey Super Lawyer from 2006 to 2011 and Union County Bar Association Professional Attorney of the Year in 2007.[15]Stand-up comedy and public persona
Jon Bramnick, a civil trial attorney and New Jersey state legislator, has pursued stand-up comedy as a parallel vocation, earning the title of "New Jersey's Funniest Lawyer" through victories in bar association-sponsored contests at Rascals Comedy Club.[2] His comedic performances often draw on his legal and political experiences, blending courtroom anecdotes with observational humor delivered at venues across the Northeast and Florida, including the Stress Factory in New Brunswick on May 13, 2025, and Off the Hook Comedy Club in Naples on February 9, 2023.[21][22] Scheduled appearances include the State Theatre New Jersey on September 27, 2025, Catch a Rising Star in Princeton on October 16, 2025, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center's Victoria Theater on November 7, 2025.[2] This avocation contributes to Bramnick's public image as a composed, affable conservative with a penchant for wit, often described as radiating calm and a "good-humored twinkle" that underscores his professionalism amid partisan battles.[23] He integrates humor into political discourse, as seen in Fox News appearances where he mixes punchlines with advocacy for issues like mental health awareness through comedy's stress-relief value.[24] In his 2025 gubernatorial campaign, Bramnick leverages this persona to project toughness beneath levity, stating, "I may be New Jersey's funniest lawyer but criminals won't be laughing when I'm Governor," positioning himself as relatable yet resolute on law-and-order priorities.[25] Critics, including those aligned with former President Trump, view his anti-Trump stance and ties to ex-Governor Chris Christie as tempering his insurgent appeal within the Republican primary, yet his comedic sideline bolsters perceptions of authenticity over ideological rigidity.[26]Legislative career in the New Jersey Assembly
Elections and representation of District 21
Bramnick was first nominated as the Republican candidate for the New Jersey General Assembly in the 21st Legislative District through a special convention in 2003, securing 137 votes against other contenders, and won the general election that year with a double-digit margin alongside running mate Eric Muñoz, carrying all municipalities except Springfield.[11] He represented District 21, which encompasses suburban areas across Essex, Morris, Somerset, and Union counties, focusing on issues such as property tax relief, criminal justice reform, job creation, and education funding tailored to the district's affluent communities.[27] [11] Bramnick secured re-election in every general election from 2005 through 2021, typically running on a joint Republican ticket with Nancy Muñoz, defeating Democratic challengers in a district that has favored Republicans since redistricting in the early 2000s.[27] His victories reflected strong support in suburban voter bases, though margins narrowed in years of anti-Republican national sentiment, such as 2017 amid backlash to President Trump and former Governor Christie.[11]| Election Year | Bramnick Votes (%) | Key Opponents (Democrats) | Running Mate (Republican) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 45,439 (25.9%) | Bruce Bergen, Norman Albert | Nancy Muñoz | Standard two-seat race.[27] |
| 2011 | 25,303 (31.7%) | Bruce Bergen, Norman Albert | Nancy Muñoz | Included Libertarian challenger Darren Young.[27] |
| 2013 | 38,556 (32.9%) | Norman Albert, Jill Anne Lazare | Nancy Muñoz | Post-Sandy recovery context.[27] |
| 2015 | 20,024 (29.9%) | Jill Anne Lazare, David Barnett | Nancy Muñoz | Competitive but held seats.[27] [28] |
| 2017 | 35,283 (26.4%) | Lacey Rzeszowski, Bruce Bergen | Nancy Muñoz | Narrowest margin; lost Summit and Westfield.[27] [11] |
| 2019 | 29,949 (26.0%) | Lisa Mandelblatt, Stacey Gunderman | Nancy Muñoz | Overcame vote-by-mail expansions; 51%-47% ticket win.[27] [11] |
| 2021 | Won re-election | Joseph Signorello III | Nancy Muñoz | Final Assembly term before Senate transition.[29] |
Leadership roles and committee assignments
Bramnick advanced through Republican leadership positions in the New Jersey General Assembly, beginning as Assistant Republican Whip from 2006 to 2007, followed by Republican Whip from 2007 to 2009.[1] He then served as Republican Conference Leader from 2009 to 2012, before being unanimously elected Republican Leader—a role equivalent to Minority Leader given the Democratic majorities during his tenure—from 2012 to 2021.[1] [30] In this capacity, he led the 16-member Republican caucus, advocating for tax reductions and regulatory reforms amid supermajority Democratic control.[30] Throughout his Assembly service from 2003 to 2022, Bramnick was assigned to the Appropriations Committee, Regulatory Oversight Committee, and Judiciary Committee, reflecting his background as a civil trial attorney.[31] He also held the position of Vice Chair on the Legislative Services Commission, which oversees administrative operations and support for the Legislature. These assignments enabled him to influence budget processes, government accountability measures, and legal policy development.[31]Key legislative achievements and initiatives
During his tenure in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2003 to 2021, particularly as Republican Leader from 2012 to 2021, Jon Bramnick emphasized fiscal conservatism, advocating for reforms to address the state's pension crisis and high property taxes. He supported delaying certain pension payments to preserve New Jersey's economic competitiveness, arguing that immediate full funding would strain budgets without addressing underlying structural issues.[32] In 2015, Bramnick joined legislative leaders in public forums to advance pension and property tax reforms, highlighting the need for bipartisan solutions to reduce taxpayer burdens amid rising costs.[33] These efforts reflected his role in steering the Republican minority toward proposals for spending restraint and long-term fiscal stability, though major overhauls faced resistance in a Democrat-controlled legislature.[34] Bramnick also initiated changes to the state's anti-bullying framework, proposing amendments in 2016 to the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act to mandate immediate parental notification when a student is accused of harassment or intimidation, aiming to balance victim protections with due process for the accused.[35] As a leader, he contributed to broader discussions on the 2010 Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, which expanded school reporting and training requirements, though his direct sponsorship was limited.[36] In economic policy, Bramnick co-sponsored measures to curb private transfer fees that inflated housing costs, with one such bill passing to prohibit certain fees and promote market transparency. He further pursued bipartisan approaches to property tax relief, including exemptions for veterans with service-connected disabilities, aligning with Republican priorities to ease burdens on residents in high-tax District 21.[37] These initiatives underscored his focus on pragmatic, cross-aisle collaboration in a minority position, prioritizing taxpayer relief over partisan gridlock.[12]Transition to the New Jersey Senate
2021 special election and victory
Following the February 1, 2021, announcement by incumbent Republican State Senator Tom Kean Jr. that he would not seek reelection to a fifth term, Jon Bramnick, then the Minority Leader of the New Jersey General Assembly, declared his candidacy for the open 21st District seat.[38][27] The 21st District encompasses portions of Morris, Somerset, and Union counties, including suburbs such as Westfield, Berkeley Heights, and Warren Township. Bramnick, who had represented the district in the Assembly since 2003, positioned his Senate bid as a continuation of his focus on fiscal restraint, property tax relief, and opposition to expansive government mandates.[1] Bramnick secured the Republican nomination without opposition in the June 8, 2021, primary election, advancing directly to the general election ballot.[39] His Democratic opponent was Joseph Signorello III, a Union County Board of County Commissioners member and attorney from Mountainside.[29] The race occurred amid a competitive statewide environment, with Republicans seeking to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction with Democratic Governor Phil Murphy's policies, though Democrats retained an edge in voter registration across the district. On November 2, 2021, Bramnick won the general election with 44,254 votes (53.7 percent) to Signorello's 38,237 votes (46.3 percent), preserving the Republican hold on the seat by a margin of 6,017 votes.[29] Voter turnout in the district exceeded 60 percent, reflecting strong engagement in a year when Republicans flipped multiple legislative seats statewide despite Murphy's narrow reelection.[40] Bramnick resigned his Assembly seat effective January 10, 2022, and was sworn into the Senate the following day, January 11, 2022.[27]Current committee assignments and priorities
Senator Jon Bramnick serves on the New Jersey Senate Commerce Committee as Republican Vice Chair and the Senate Judiciary Committee during the 2024-2025 legislative session.[1][37] In the Commerce Committee, Bramnick prioritizes policies supporting business growth and economic competitiveness, including opposition to federal regulatory changes that could impose burdensome reinterpretations of independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act, which he argues would devastate New Jersey's economy by reclassifying workers in industries like construction and delivery services.[41] He has also advocated for infrastructure financing, sponsoring legislation to authorize the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to issue loans for environmental projects in fiscal year 2026.[42] Through the Judiciary Committee, his focus includes public safety and legal reforms, such as creating offenses for financial exploitation of the elderly and advancing measures on criminal penalties.[43] Broader Senate priorities encompass fiscal restraint, criticizing Governor Phil Murphy's emphasis on tax hikes and bureaucracy over affordability measures as of October 1, 2025, and promoting political civility via a proposed Joint Legislative Statesmanship Task Force announced in October 2024 to encourage bipartisan statesmanship.[44][45] Additionally, Bramnick has sponsored initiatives for mental health awareness, including authorizing special license plates to fund related programs.[46]Notable bills sponsored or co-sponsored
Bramnick sponsored S-1517 in 2022, which authorizes the issuance of restraining orders for victims of stalking or cyber-harassment by individuals without a prior domestic or dating relationship, such as strangers; the bill was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on July 24, 2023, as P.L. 2023, c. 135, expanding protections previously limited to known parties.[47] This measure addressed a gap in existing domestic violence statutes, allowing courts to intervene in cases of persistent unwanted contact via electronic means or physical following, with violations punishable as contempt.[48] In response to interstate tax disparities, Bramnick sponsored legislation combating New York State's taxation of New Jersey commuters, which was signed into law to provide relief measures such as credits or deductions for affected residents; the bill aimed to mitigate double taxation on income earned across state lines.[49] Related efforts included co-sponsorship of bills enhancing enforcement against fraudulent claims under New Jersey's False Claims Act, strengthening penalties for health care and insurance fraud to recover public funds.[37] Bramnick co-sponsored S-3587 in 2024, upgrading certain retail theft offenses to higher-degree crimes with extended imprisonment terms for repeat or organized offenders, reflecting concerns over rising shoplifting amid economic pressures; the bill seeks to deter organized retail crime rings through mandatory minimums and aggregation of values across incidents.[50] He also sponsored S-3928, limiting the enforceability of certain consumer contract provisions that impose undue burdens, such as perpetual arbitration clauses, to promote fairer business practices while preserving legitimate agreements.[51] These initiatives underscore Bramnick's focus on criminal justice reforms prioritizing victim protection and fiscal accountability.2025 Republican gubernatorial campaign
Announcement and campaign platform
On January 27, 2024, Jon Bramnick formally announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial election at the Stress Factory comedy club in New Brunswick.[52][53] As the first Republican to enter the race following Governor Phil Murphy's term limits, Bramnick emphasized his two decades of legislative experience and positioned himself as a bipartisan negotiator capable of compelling Democratic majorities to compromise or face vetoes.[53] He criticized former President Donald Trump's influence on the GOP, arguing that rejecting Trump-aligned extremism, including the January 6 Capitol riot, was essential to recapturing moderate voters in a state where Democrats hold a registration advantage of nearly one million.[53][54] Bramnick's platform centered on fiscal restraint and targeted reforms to address New Jersey's high property taxes and affordability challenges. He proposed dedicating all state income tax revenue to fully fund public schools while delivering an average $800 property tax reduction in the first year, alongside cuts to the corporation business tax and personal income tax rates to stimulate economic growth.[55] On housing, he advocated regional affordable housing obligations over state-mandated town-by-town zoning, preserving local government authority in development decisions.[55] For education, Bramnick called for concentrating resources on underperforming districts, prioritizing core academic subjects, and eliminating excessive mandates from Trenton to boost teacher retention and overall performance.[55] Public safety and immigration enforcement featured prominently, with commitments to tougher sentencing for violent crimes and opposition to policies granting in-state tuition or driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants.[56] He supported federal cooperation on immigration law enforcement and comprehensive reform offering citizenship pathways only for law-abiding, tax-paying individuals.[55] Socially, Bramnick endorsed abortion rights while opposing late-term procedures, aligning with his moderate stance.[53][55] Infrastructure priorities included enhancing transit reliability and expanding service to underserved areas via federal funds and public-private partnerships.[55] Throughout, he stressed electability in a blue-leaning state, claiming his anti-Trump profile and cross-aisle record would enable broader appeal.[26][54]Primary challenges and performance
Bramnick encountered significant primary challenges stemming from the Republican Party's ideological divisions, particularly his positioning as a moderate critic of former President Donald Trump in a field dominated by candidates appealing to the MAGA base. Bill Spadea, a former radio host, aggressively courted conservative voters by emphasizing alignment with Trump's agenda, while Jack Ciattarelli leveraged his 2021 gubernatorial near-miss and broader party endorsements to consolidate support among establishment and suburban Republicans. Bramnick's long-standing ties to ex-Governor Chris Christie, viewed skeptically by Trump loyalists, and his public rebukes of election denialism limited his fundraising and grassroots mobilization, with campaign finance reports showing he trailed competitors in contributions from national GOP donors.[26][57] In the June 10, 2025, Republican primary, Bramnick placed third, failing to advance beyond the top two amid low turnout favoring more polarized candidates. Ciattarelli secured the nomination with a commanding plurality, defeating Spadea by a wide margin, while Bramnick's vote share reflected pockets of support in moderate districts but insufficient breadth to challenge the frontrunners' combined dominance. Post-election commentary highlighted his campaign's role in elevating discussions on party pragmatism, though it underscored the GOP electorate's preference for Trump-adjacent figures in off-year contests.[58][59][60]Policy proposals and voter reception
Bramnick's campaign platform emphasized fiscal conservatism, property tax relief, and public safety enhancements to address New Jersey's high tax burden and rising crime rates. He proposed a 10% reduction in state income taxes over three years by simplifying tax brackets and adjusting them for inflation, projecting annual savings of approximately $1,600 for joint filers and $1,000 for single filers earning $110,000.[61] To tackle property taxes, which average over $9,000 annually in the state, Bramnick advocated redirecting all income tax revenue to fully fund public schools, enabling an estimated $800 average reduction in property tax bills in the first year through returned excess school aid, a "homesteading" cap on taxes until home sale, and expansion of the Senior Freeze program.[55][62] He also called for a Government Efficiency Panel to eliminate wasteful spending, including up to $1 billion in annual "pork" projects, while restoring state aid to districts facing cuts.[61] On public safety and immigration, Bramnick positioned himself as prioritizing enforcement, pledging to collaborate with federal authorities to uphold immigration laws and opposing state benefits like in-state tuition or driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants. He criticized Democratic policies for prematurely releasing prisoners, advocating stricter sentencing to reverse crime trends, though specific legislative details were not quantified in campaign materials. In education, he focused on bolstering underperforming districts by emphasizing core curricula, reducing administrative mandates from Trenton, and addressing teacher retention amid declining student outcomes, tying these to broader affordability goals via tax redirection.[55][63] Voter reception to Bramnick's proposals was mixed, with his moderate fiscal reforms appealing to independents and suburban Republicans concerned about affordability but failing to galvanize the GOP primary base amid preferences for more populist candidates. Pre-primary polls, such as Emerson College's May 2025 survey, showed him trailing frontrunner Jack Ciattarelli by wide margins among Republican voters, reflecting limited enthusiasm for his anti-Trump positioning and Christie-aligned pragmatism in a field favoring alignment with national conservatism.[64] In the June 10, 2025, Republican primary, Bramnick finished third with under 10% of the vote statewide, as Ciattarelli secured the nomination with over 50%, indicating his tax-cut focused platform resonated insufficiently against competitors emphasizing cultural issues and Trump loyalty.[65][66] Endorsements from establishment figures like former Governor Chris Christie highlighted his electability in a blue-leaning state, but primary turnout data suggested his policies drew limited support from the party's energized MAGA wing.[26]Political positions and ideology
Fiscal and economic policies
Bramnick has positioned himself as a fiscal conservative, consistently opposing tax increases and advocating for relief from New Jersey's high property tax burden, which ranks among the highest in the United States. In his 2025 gubernatorial campaign, he proposed a plan to achieve property tax reductions while maintaining full school funding, emphasizing the need to address affordability amid the state's elevated cost of living. He has supported targeted exemptions, such as 100% property tax deductions for first responders injured in the line of duty via constitutional amendment SCR-120 introduced in January 2025, and endorsed the Stay NJ program providing rebates up to $800 annually for seniors to retain residents facing out-migration due to fiscal pressures.[67][68][69] On broader economic policy, Bramnick favors income tax reforms like indexing brackets to inflation to mitigate bracket creep, a longstanding Republican initiative he highlighted during the campaign to deliver automatic relief without new spending. He has sponsored the Opportunity Scholarship Act, establishing tax credits for contributions to scholarships aiding low-income students, aiming to enhance educational choice while incentivizing private investment over expanded government programs. Additionally, in July 2023, he secured passage of legislation countering New York State's aggressive taxation of New Jersey commuters, which imposed undue fiscal strain on cross-border workers.[62][70][71] Bramnick promotes deregulation and business attraction to spur growth, opposing the Murphy administration's August 2025 proposed Department of Labor rule reclassifying independent contractors, which he argued would devastate sectors like financial services by prompting relocations—citing a study estimating 65% of advisers might leave the state. He advocates cutting corporate taxes, lowering energy costs through diversified sources rather than over-reliance on renewables, and fostering tech and innovation ecosystems to position New Jersey competitively against neighboring states. These stances reflect his critique of Democratic-led fiscal expansion under Governor Phil Murphy, whom he labeled as prioritizing bureaucracy over affordability in budgets featuring higher taxes and spending.[72][73][74][75]Social issues
Bramnick supports a woman's right to choose on abortion, advocating for codification of Roe v. Wade protections into state law while opposing late-term procedures.[76][55] His legislative record includes votes in favor of expanding postpartum care access (S 912, passed Senate 37-0 on February 12, 2024), creating a reproductive rights website (S 3275, concurrence passed 23-11 on June 30, 2023), establishing protections for reproductive health services (A 3975 substitute, passed 24-13 on June 29, 2022), and enshrining a constitutional right to reproductive freedom (S 49, passed House 45-24 on January 10, 2022).[77] On LGBTQ rights, Bramnick has committed to protecting and advancing equal rights for the community, aligning with his broader emphasis on personal freedoms as a moderate Republican.[76] Bramnick's voting record on firearms reflects support for enhanced regulations, including expansions of culpability for tracking (S 1425, passed 21-15 on February 12, 2024), establishment of gun-free zones (A 4769, passed 21-16 on December 19, 2022), requirements for firearms purchaser identification cards (A 4370, passed 24-16 on June 29, 2022), and amendments making certain firearm manufacturing violations second-degree crimes (S 2846, passed 33-6 on June 29, 2022).[78] He has also backed measures for firearm registration expansions (S 1204, passed with amendment 23-15 on June 23, 2022), prohibitions on certain toy guns (A 4260, passed House 54-19 on December 16, 2019), and stricter storage rules (A 3696, passed 54-18 on June 20, 2019).[78] Regarding marijuana policy, Bramnick has supported legalization and decriminalization efforts, voting yes on rescinding its Schedule I classification (A 21, passed House 49-24 on December 17, 2020), reducing possession penalties (S 2535 concurrence with amendment, passed House 63-12 on December 17, 2020; A 1897, passed 63-10 on June 18, 2020), and expanding medical access for conditions like PTSD (A 457, passed 56-13 on June 16, 2016) and minors (S 2842, passed 55-13 on June 24, 2013).[79] He has also endorsed amendments easing restrictions on cannabis establishments (A 4151, passed Senate 26-8 on June 20, 2023) and tax provisions (A 3946 with amendment, passed 32-3 on February 27, 2023).[79] In education, Bramnick prioritizes improving failing districts through focus on core subjects and reducing state mandates from Trenton to enhance teacher retention and performance, while opposing interference in successful schools; he voted against book removal efforts, positioning himself against content-based restrictions in libraries.[55][80]Criminal justice and public safety
Bramnick has advocated for stricter enforcement against repeat violent offenders, proposing that such individuals be required to remain incarcerated without early release options to deter recidivism and enhance public safety.[81] He has criticized Democratic policies in New Jersey for allegedly releasing prisoners prematurely and restricting police pursuits of suspects, pledging to reverse these measures to prioritize law enforcement capabilities.[56] In legislative actions, Bramnick sponsored S-575 in 2024, permitting school districts to employ safe schools resource officers to bolster security in educational settings amid rising concerns over youth violence.[82] He also introduced measures to impose secondary criminal charges on offenders wearing masks during the commission of crimes, revising the bill in September 2024 following public input to target only those actively engaged in illegal acts, aiming to counter tactics that hinder identification and prosecution.[83] Bramnick has supported enhanced penalties for threats against law enforcement and prosecutors, classifying such acts as second-degree crimes eligible for the No Early Release Act to protect public officials and maintain judicial integrity.[70] His platform emphasizes increasing sentences for violent offenses and rejecting sanctuary approaches that shield criminals, positioning these reforms as essential to restoring order in New Jersey communities.[81][84]Stance on Donald Trump and national Republicanism
Jon Bramnick has maintained a critical stance toward Donald Trump throughout his political career, positioning himself as a traditional Republican skeptical of the former president's influence within the party. He has publicly opposed Trump's pardon of participants in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, arguing it undermined principles of law and order during a February 2025 debate.[26] In March 2024, Bramnick stated he would withdraw from the 2025 gubernatorial race if Trump carried New Jersey in the presidential election, a condition that did not materialize as Trump lost the state by approximately 6 percentage points.[85] [26] His close association with Chris Christie, a prominent Trump adversary, further underscores this opposition, which Bramnick has leveraged to appeal to moderate voters in Democratic-leaning New Jersey rather than seeking alignment with the MAGA movement.[53] Despite this history, Bramnick expressed qualified approval of Trump's early actions in his second term. On January 24, 2025, following Trump's inauguration, he praised the president's flurry of executive orders and signing of the Laken Riley Act on immigration enforcement, remarking that "when people see somebody actually doing something, that is like a knockout punch."[86] This commentary highlighted Bramnick's support for policy execution on issues like border security, aligning with his own legislative record, such as sponsoring Senate Bill 4302 to restrict benefits for undocumented immigrants.[26] However, Trump did not endorse Bramnick in the June 2025 Republican primary, instead backing rival Jack Ciattarelli, reflecting Bramnick's outsider status in Trump-centric national Republican circles.[87] Bramnick's approach to national Republicanism emphasizes state-focused conservatism over fealty to Trump's personal brand or the MAGA faction, advocating traditional GOP priorities like fiscal restraint and immigration control to broaden appeal in a state where Republicans are outnumbered by nearly one million Democrats.[54] He has critiqued national trends toward polarization, promoting civility and policy substance in campaign ads and debates, while avoiding wholesale embrace of Trump-era rhetoric.[88] This strategy aims to position him as electable in the general election against Democratic nominees, betting on Trump's unpopularity in New Jersey to neutralize primary attacks from more Trump-aligned competitors like Ciattarelli and Bill Spadea.[26]Electoral history
New Jersey Assembly elections
Bramnick was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 2003, representing the 21st legislative district alongside running mate Eric Muñoz. The Republican ticket defeated Democrats Ellen Steinberg and Norman Albert by a double-digit margin, securing victories in every municipality except Springfield.[11][89] In the 2009 Republican primary, Bramnick easily prevailed over challengers Bruce Meringolo and George Vitureira, with opponents drawing limited support primarily in Long Hill Township. He won re-election to the Assembly without primary opposition in most cycles thereafter and secured general election victories in 2005, 2007, 2011, 2013, and 2015, typically alongside running mate Nancy Muñoz after Muñoz's death in 2009.[11] The 2017 general election marked Bramnick's closest Assembly contest, as the Republican ticket of Bramnick and Muñoz narrowly held the seats against Democrats Lacey Rzeszowski and Bruce Bergen amid a statewide Democratic wave. Bramnick received 26.4% of the vote to Rzeszowski's 24.5%, finishing 1,554 votes behind Muñoz but ahead of the Democratic challengers.[11][90] Republicans improved in 2019, with Bramnick and Muñoz together capturing 51% of the vote against Democrats Stacey Gunderman and Lisa Mandelblatt in a 51%-47% districtwide outcome. Bramnick did not seek re-election to the Assembly in 2021, opting instead to pursue the open State Senate seat in the same district.[11]New Jersey Senate election
In February 2021, Jon Bramnick, then the Republican leader in the New Jersey General Assembly, announced his candidacy for the state Senate seat in the 21st legislative district after incumbent Senator Tom Kean Jr. opted not to seek re-election.[91] The 21st district encompasses portions of Morris, Somerset, and Union counties, a competitive area with a history of Republican incumbents holding narrow margins. Bramnick faced no opposition in the Republican primary held on June 8, 2021, securing the nomination with 9,571 votes.[27] In the general election on November 2, 2021, Bramnick defeated Democratic challenger Joseph Signorello III, a Union County freeholder, by a margin of 53.6% to 46.4%.[27] Bramnick received 44,254 votes, while Signorello garnered 38,237 votes, for a total of 82,491 votes cast.[27] The victory preserved Republican control of the seat, though the close result underscored the district's swing character amid a statewide Republican push in legislative races.[93] Bramnick assumed office on January 11, 2022.[27]2025 gubernatorial primary
Bramnick formally announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in New Jersey's 2025 gubernatorial election in late 2024, emphasizing a moderate platform focused on fiscal conservatism, public safety, and reducing property taxes without aligning closely with national Trump-era Republicanism.[26] He positioned himself as a pragmatic alternative to more populist candidates, drawing on his legislative experience and ties to former Governor Chris Christie, while criticizing divisive national GOP rhetoric.[94] The Republican primary field included five candidates: Bramnick, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, radio host Bill Spadea, businessman Justin Barbera, and Mario Kranjac.[95] Bramnick's campaign raised funds through New Jersey's public matching program, receiving approximately $2.7 million in matching contributions by early April 2025, supporting outreach in suburban districts where moderates historically perform better.[96] On June 10, 2025, Ciattarelli secured the Republican nomination with a plurality of votes, defeating Spadea in a closely watched contest influenced by endorsements and turnout among Trump-aligned voters.[58][97] Bramnick conceded the race that evening, congratulating Ciattarelli and urging party unity ahead of the general election against Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill, though he did not endorse during the primary cycle.[59] His bid highlighted tensions within the state GOP between establishment moderates and populist factions but fell short amid lower moderate turnout.[26]Personal life
Family and residences
Jon Bramnick has been married to Patricia Brentano Bramnick, a professional artist specializing in painting, since approximately 1982.[98][99] The couple marked 43 years of marriage as of March 2025.[99] They have one daughter, Abigail "Abby" Bramnick, born around 1988, who works as a licensed creative arts therapist in New York City.[98][100] Abby has pursued a career focused on art therapy for children with emotional and behavioral challenges.[101] Bramnick and his family reside in Westfield, New Jersey, within the 21st legislative district he represents.[102][103] In August 2021, the couple listed their five-bedroom Westfield home for $1.69 million.[102] Patricia maintains an art studio above Bramnick's law office in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, a space shared periodically with their daughter Abby for creative work.[104]Interests and civic engagements
Bramnick pursues an interest in stand-up comedy, drawing from his experiences as a lawyer and legislator, and has been designated "New Jersey's Funniest Lawyer" by the state Bar Association.[105] He has performed at major venues including NJPAC in October 2024 and State Theatre New Jersey in September 2025, headlining alongside comedians such as Mike Sicoli and Joey Kola.[105] [106] In civic activities, Bramnick has volunteered his comedic skills as an auctioneer to support non-profit organizations.[107] He organized a Facebook Live comedy event on April 25, 2020, to raise funds for food-insecure residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting local needs based on his direct observations.[108] Bramnick engages in efforts to promote political civility, co-leading a bipartisan college tour with Democratic Senator Joe Cryan starting in September 2025, following the July 2025 attempted assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, with events at institutions like Ramapo College to encourage moderate dialogue and bridge partisan divides.[109] [110] On October 22, 2024, he announced plans to introduce a bill creating the Joint Legislative Statesmanship Task Force to foster respectful conduct in New Jersey politics.[111] Earlier, in July 2024, he proposed a resolution urging civility among state residents.[112] He has participated in civic engagement discussions hosted by organizations such as the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in New Jersey, including events at synagogues in 2021.[113]References
- https://ballotpedia.org/New_Jersey_State_Senate_District_21
