Andrew Bruck named as NJ acting attorney general, 1st LGBTQ person to serve in role

Acting Attorney General Andrew Bruck.
Acting Attorney General Andrew Bruck. Photo credit State of New Jersey

TRENTON (KYW Newsradio) — The Governor of New Jersey has announced a replacement for the outgoing Attorney General Gurbir Grewal.

Gov. Phil Murphy has named Andrew Bruck the state's new acting attorney general.

Bruck will be the first openly LGBTQ person to serve as attorney general in the state.

Bruck is currently the state's first assistant attorney general. He will take over when Grewal steps down on July 16, and Bruck will stay on for the rest of Murphy's term.

“I am pleased to announce that Andrew Bruck will step in to serve as acting attorney general and continue the office’s mission of fighting for equal justice for everyone who calls our state home,” said Murphy in a statement.

“Andrew’s wealth of experience will serve him well in this role and his historic appointment reflects our continuing commitment to ensuring that our state government reflects the rich diversity of our people.”

“I thank Governor Murphy for the confidence that he has placed in me, and I am honored by the opportunity to continue the groundbreaking work of Attorney General Grewal,” said Bruck in the same statement.

“I share their commitment to protecting public safety, building public trust, and ensuring the rights of all New Jerseyans. I look forward to working with our department's 7,700 extraordinary public servants to carry out our vital mission.”

Before working for the state of New Jersey, Bruck served five years with the federal Department of Justice, working with then-Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates as part of his role.

“Andrew Bruck has the unique ability to lead by genuinely listening to all sides of issues, crafting bold, principled and practical solutions, and then giving everyone else credit for it,” said Yates, a former acting U.S. attorney general, in the statement.

“He is trusted by both the civil rights and law enforcement communities because of his track record for forging much-needed meaningful reforms to our criminal justice system while respecting the difficult and crucial role of law enforcement."

Grewal will work with the Securities and Exchange Commission when he steps down.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Acting Attorney General Andrew Bruck