Who Is George Norcross? Democratic Power Broker Charged With Racketeering

George Norcross III, a New Jersey Democratic power broker, has been charged with racketeering by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, according to a report from The New York Times.

Platkin accused Norcross and five other defendants of “unlawfully obtaining property and property rights on the waterfront” of Camden, the Times reported. This allegedly allowed them to collection millions of dollars’ worth of tax credits and exert influence over government officials.

In a statement reported by the Times, Platkin wrote: “The indictment unsealed today alleges that George Norcross has been running a criminal enterprise in this state for at least the last 12 years. On full display in this indictment is how a group of unelected, private businessmen used their power and influence to get government to aid their criminal enterprise and further its interests.”

Newsweek reached out to Norcross via the contact form of the law firm Conner Strong & Buckelew, of which he serves as executive chairman.

Platkin is also charging George’s brother, Phillip Norcross, his personal lawyer, William Tambussi, former Camden Mayor Dana Redd, Sidney Brown and John O’Donnell in the case, according to the Times.

Norcross is a New Jersey businessman who has been viewed as among the most powerful figures in New Jersey politics. He has wielded substantial influence over elections and legislation in the Democratic-leaning state.

He served on the Democratic National Committee (DNC) until 2021 and previously served as the head of the Camden County Democratic Party.

On Monday, Norcross attended the press conference in which Platkin announced the indictment.

“Norcross is here, at right. First time I’ve seen a criminal defendant sit in the front row of a press conference about his indictment,” posted journalist S.P. Sullivan.

Norcross announced that he would be stepping away from politics in May 2023, Politico reported. He told the publication he was “involuntarily pushed to a different place” and felt he had been “sitting in the backseat.”

“We had a great run for almost 25 years, and now it’s time for others to lead the party,” he said.

His brother, Donald Norcross, represents New Jersey’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The South Jersey machine has been viewed as one of the most robust political operations across the U.S. but suffered significant losses during the 2021 election, when Republicans made notable gains against Norcross-backed candidates.

Since then, the New Jersey political establishment has faced growing scrutiny after Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Menendez was indicted on criminal charges in a separate case.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.