Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, has significantly strengthened its Garden State presence with the appointment of Braxton Plummer as a principal in its Cherry Hill office.
Plummer joins the firm at a pivotal moment for New Jersey’s political landscape. With the 2025 gubernatorial election serving as a bellwether for the upcoming 2026 midterms, businesses are increasingly seeking seasoned guidance to navigate shifting policy environments and “pocketbook” issues like inflation and rising utility costs.
Plummer is widely recognized as a top-tier lobbyist and strategist in New Jersey. Prior to joining Cozen O’Connor, he served as the Director of State and Local Government Affairs at Verizon, where he was the lead lobbyist managing telecommunications policy and bridging the “digital divide.” His work at Verizon was also notable for his leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the Trenton area.
Plummer’s deep-rooted experience includes:
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State Leadership: Senior Adviser to the Commissioner at the NJ Department of Community Affairs, focusing on the revitalization of Atlantic City.
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Economic Development: Strategic roles with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).
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Political Strategy: Senior positions on statewide political campaigns and within the Office of Governor Jon Corzine.
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Education: A Bachelor of Arts in political science from Montclair State University.
“Braxton is a seasoned professional with strong relationships across New Jersey’s political and business communities,” Howard Schweitzer, CEO of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies said. “His experience and strategic perspective will help us deliver exceptional results for our clients.”
The addition of Plummer comes as Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies ramps up its bipartisan outreach. The firm’s Cozen Lens and Beltway Briefing series have recently focused on New Jersey’s shifting voter dynamics, noting that the state is currently home to one of the most competitive political environments in the country.
“Braxton’s proven ability to navigate complex policy environments and build consensus will be a tremendous asset,” Joe Hill, managing director of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies said. Plummer’s hiring aligns with the firm’s broader strategy of recruiting “influencers” who have hands-on experience in both the private sector and high-level state administration.
In his new role, Plummer will focus on:
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Legislative Advocacy: Helping clients navigate the NJ State House in Trenton.
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Public-Private Collaboration: Leveraging his background in economic revitalization to bridge gaps between business and government.
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Regional Growth: Supporting the firm’s expanding practice throughout the Southern New Jersey and Greater Philadelphia markets.
