SHARE

Murphy Nominates Bergen Prosecutor Grewal As Next NJ Attorney General

HACKENSACK, N.J. -- Gov.-elect Phil Murphy on Tuesday nominated Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal of Glen Rock as the state's next attorney general.

Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal

Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal

Photo Credit: Jerry DeMarco

“The American dream is alive and well in New Jersey,” Grewal said at a Trenton news conference during the late-morning announcement.

Murphy's nomination of Grewal, who would become New Jersey's first Sikh attorney general, must be approved by the state Senate sometime after the governor-elect enters office on Jan. 16.

Grewal, who made fighting opioid abuse by partnership law enforcement with treatment a hallmark of his tenure, was sworn into his first full term as prosecutor earlier this year after serving as acting prosecutor for a year.

The Democratic father of three previously worked as a federal prosecutor -- heading the Economic Crimes Unit -- under then-U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman, who succeeded Christie in the job.

Fishman, who hired Greewal in 2010, called him "honest without being harsh, knowledgeable without being pedantic, and helpful without being condescending.” 

Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco called the nomination "an outstanding choice."

"Two years ago, Gurbir Grewal became my professional colleague when he was appointed to lead the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office," the county executive said. "Today, I am fortunate to count him as a trusted friend."

"As the chief law enforcement officer of the most populous county in New Jersey, Prosecutor Grewal has been steadfast, thoughtful, and compassionate in his pursuit of justice for the people of Bergen County," Tedesco said. "I have been grateful for his partnership on behalf of the citizens we serve, especially in our joint effort to address the opioid epidemic.

"On behalf of nearly one million residents of Bergen County, I thank Gurbir Grewal for his dedicated service to our county and its people. 

"I know that Prosecutor Grewal will continue to demonstrate the same commitment to public service and the rule of law that he has exemplified throughout his career," Tedesco said.

Grewal is a past president of the South Asian Bar Association of New York and a member of the New Jersey Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association.

to follow Daily Voice Cresskill-Closter and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE