Nick Scutari

Nicholas Paul Scutari is an American politician and attorney currently serving as a member of the New Jersey State Senate, representing the 22nd legislative district. A member of the Democratic Party, Scutari has held his Senate seat since 2004 and has been the 115th president of the New Jersey Senate since 2022. Throughout his political career, he has been involved in various legislative initiatives and has served in multiple capacities, including as acting governor of New Jersey on several occasions.

Early life and career

Nick Scutari was born on November 18, 1968. He pursued higher education at several institutions, beginning with Union County College. He later obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Kean University, followed by a Master of Education from Rutgers University, specializing in Education. Scutari earned his Juris Doctor from the Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, establishing a foundation for his career as an attorney. He operates his own law practice, the Law Offices of Nicholas P. Scutari.

Before entering the New Jersey Senate, Scutari began his political career on the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, where he made history by becoming the youngest freeholder chairman in the county's history in 1999. His tenure on the board included a year as vice chairman prior to his chairmanship. Scutari's early political involvement also included serving on the board of education for the Linden Public Schools, where he gained experience in educational governance and community service.

Legislative service

Scutari was elected to the New Jersey State Senate in 2004 after being nominated to fill the vacancy left by Senator Joseph Suliga, who chose not to seek re-election amid allegations of sexual harassment. Since his election, Scutari has been an active member of the Senate, serving on various committees, including the State Government Committee, where he has held the position of chair. He has also participated in the Joint State Leasing and Space Utilization Committee, the Commerce Committee, and the Judiciary Committee, where he served as chair for an extended period, marking the longest tenure in modern history.

In addition to his committee roles, Scutari has been involved in significant legislative initiatives. He was the chief sponsor of New Jersey's Medical Marijuana law, which was enacted in 2009. His advocacy for marijuana legalization extended to efforts to legalize recreational use for adults over the age of 21. Following an unsuccessful attempt in 2014, he introduced a new bill in May 2017 aimed at regulating and taxing recreational marijuana. This initiative gained traction with the support of incoming Governor Phil Murphy, who had expressed a commitment to legalization.

Scutari has also held the position of acting governor of New Jersey on multiple occasions. His first instance in this role occurred in June 2022 when both Governor Phil Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver were out of state. He served again in July 2023 for a period of 15 days while Murphy was away and Oliver was hospitalized. Following Oliver's passing, Scutari continued to serve as acting governor during Murphy's absence at a Democratic Governors Association meeting in August 2023.

In August 2024, while serving as acting governor during the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Scutari passed several bills, including one that increased the cap on attorney fees in workers' compensation cases and another that provided salary increases for appellate judges and county prosecutors. These actions raised concerns due to Scutari's law firm's involvement in similar cases.

Policy focus and district

Scutari represents the 22nd legislative district in New Jersey, which is one of the state's 40 districts. Each district is represented by one senator and two assembly members. For the 2024-2025 legislative session, Scutari serves alongside Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter and Assemblyman James J. Kennedy, both of whom are also members of the Democratic Party.

Throughout his legislative career, Scutari has focused on various policy areas, including education, public safety, and healthcare. His background in education has informed his approach to educational policy, and his experience as an attorney has influenced his work on legal and regulatory issues. Scutari's advocacy for marijuana legalization reflects a broader trend in New Jersey and across the United States toward reforming drug laws and addressing social justice issues related to drug enforcement.

Despite his political achievements, Scutari's career has not been without controversy. He served as the municipal prosecutor for the City of Linden for approximately fifteen years before being removed from the position in January 2019. Following his removal, an investigation by the city council raised concerns about his attendance and performance, leading to allegations of misconduct. Scutari has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the investigation was politically motivated. He subsequently filed a lawsuit against the city’s mayor and council members, claiming defamation and other grievances.

In addition to his political and legal career, Scutari has familial connections in Italy, where his cousin Donato Scutari has served as a member of the Italian Communist Party and has held positions in the Italian government. His uncle, Anthony Scutari, was involved in local governance as chair of the Union County Improvement Authority.

Overall, Nick Scutari's career in the New Jersey State Senate has been marked by significant legislative contributions, leadership roles, and a focus on issues pertinent to his constituents in the 22nd district. His ongoing service reflects a commitment to public policy and governance in New Jersey.