Governor‑elect Mikie Sherrill’s choice of Jen Davenport as New Jersey’s next attorney general drew admiration from someone who knows the weight of the office better than most: Former Attorney General Chris Porrino.
“She’s the right person for all the right reasons,” he said. “She’s understated, not someone who has ever sought the spotlight, just a really effective leader and lawyer. She’s highly relatable. She’s highly committed to the rule of law; she’s highly principled and she’s had a lifetime of law enforcement experience.
“The people in the Department of Law and Public Safety will love her.”
In an era when prosecutorial decisions are often viewed through a political lens, Porrino sees Davenport as a throwback.
“This is what I think people want to see in our law enforcement leaders: Someone who’s going to be committed to getting it right, committed to the rule of law and not swayed in making those critically important decisions based on anything other than trying to do the right thing,” he said.
Porrino said Davenport’s resume enables her to do just that.
She’s a former federal prosecutor. A former lawyer for the Drug Enforcement Administration. A former first assistant attorney general. And someone who currently works at PSEG, which Porrino views as another plus.
“I’m really glad she’s gained that additional experience on the private side,” he said. “When you interact with the business community, it’s really important to have that perspective. It helps round out the picture of what an attorney general should be.”
Of course, nothing is as important as having the respect of others.
Davenport’s credibility across the spectrum sets her apart, Porrino said.
“She’s got the state and federal law enforcement chops to make a real difference in New Jersey,” he said. “The police and law enforcement know her and trust her – and the community and faith leaders know her, trust her and love her, too.
“She’s the perfect combination of attributes – experience, qualifications, demeanor – to be our next attorney general.”
Porrino said he sees Davenport’s career of consistency as her ultimate calling card.
“Jen Davenport is someone who, every day of her life, wakes up in the morning and does the right thing over and over again,” he said. “She’s chosen public service over and over again. That’s a win for the citizens of the state of New Jersey and for public safety.”
