Podcast Summary: Bloomberg Talks – New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin Talks Gubernatorial Election

Date: November 4, 2025
Host: Bloomberg
Guest: Matt Platkin, New Jersey Attorney General

Episode Overview

This episode of Bloomberg Talks features New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin discussing urgent issues affecting the 2025 gubernatorial election in New Jersey. The conversation focuses on bomb threats targeting polling stations, election security, voter turnout, federal funding threats, and infrastructure risks under the current presidential administration. Platkin emphasizes the state’s response to threats against democracy and infrastructure, and its ongoing commitment to protecting voters’ rights and essential services.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Election Day Bomb Threats and Voter Security

Timestamps: 00:22–01:55

• Incident Overview:
  Multiple polling locations across eight counties in New Jersey received bomb threats by email on election day morning.

• Immediate Response:
  Law enforcement responded quickly, securing each affected polling place. Platkin reassures the public that no credible threats were found.

• Notable Guidance:
  "Voters should have full confidence that today's elections will be free, fair, and they should be able to cast their vote safely." (Matt Platkin, 00:47)

• Scope of Disruption:
  About two dozen polling sites were impacted, but nearly all reopened after security checks.

• Voter Resource:
  Platkin directs voters to check polling site status at vote.nj.gov.

2. Voter Turnout and Election Access

Timestamps: 01:55–02:32

• Recent Improvements:
  Significant increases in early voting, in-person voting, and vote-by-mail over the past eight years, attributed to Governor Murphy’s administration.

• Democracy Emphasis:
  Platkin underscores the importance of safe, free, and fair elections:
  "My job principally is to make sure that people can do so safely, freely and fairly. And that is exactly what I'm focused on." (Matt Platkin, 02:16)

3. Federal Funding Threats and Political Climate

Timestamps: 02:32–04:03

• Presidential Comments:
  Discussion on President Trump’s threats to withhold federal funding from New York City and implication for New Jersey.

• State Response:
  Platkin outlines New Jersey's recurring legal battles against the federal government’s attempts to unlawfully withhold funding—and repeated successes in court.

• Impact on Residents:
  Funding cuts have risked essential services—SNAP (food support), education, healthcare, and housing, especially for vulnerable populations.

• Clear Stance:
  "If this administration violates the law and hurts the people in our state, I've been very clear we will go to court to protect them." (Matt Platkin, 03:49)

4. Infrastructure – Gateway Project Funding Concerns

Timestamps: 04:03–04:54

• Project Status:
  Platkin comments on the Gateway infrastructure project, clarifying that, as of now, federal threats have not derailed the project.

• Continued Vigilance:
  Ongoing monitoring for any unlawful federal action is promised.

• State Collaboration:
  Platkin credits Governor Murphy for championing infrastructure and reaffirms readiness to defend against funding cuts.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Voter Reassurance on Safety:
  "We are not going to tolerate anyone trying to interfere with our elections … voters can vote safely."
  – Matt Platkin (00:47)

• Election Rights Focus:
  "It's an exciting day in the state. This is a fundamental right, people's right to vote."
  – Matt Platkin (02:10)

• Legal Commitment:
  "We've been very clear that we're prepared to stand up for our residents should we need to do so."
  – Matt Platkin (04:49)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Bomb threats and polling site safety: 00:22–01:55
• Voter turnout and election access: 01:55–02:32
• Federal funding threats / New York City connection: 02:32–04:03
• Gateway project / Transit and infrastructure: 04:03–04:54

Tone and Style

The conversation is serious and urgent, reflecting the gravity of threats to election integrity and essential services. Platkin’s remarks are clear, direct, and aimed at reassuring the public while projecting a stance of legal readiness and administrative capability.

This summary covers all key interview content and is suitable for anyone interested in the state of New Jersey politics, election security, and state-federal relations as of November 2025.