New ACLU-NJ Advocacy Director Aims to Shape Civil Rights Agenda

John Butler, former staffer in Gov. Phil Murphy's administration, takes on role leading ACLU-NJ's political advocacy efforts.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:24pm

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John Butler, the new director of political advocacy at ACLU-NJ, is stepping into the role at a critical moment for civil rights in New Jersey. Coming from Gov. Phil Murphy's administration, Butler plans to leverage his experience working with advocates to build a 'Firewall for Freedom' in the state, focusing on issues like immigrant protections, voter engagement, and criminal justice reform.

Why it matters

With unprecedented attacks on civil rights at the federal level under the Trump administration, New Jersey has an opportunity to take a leading role in advancing protections and becoming a model for the rest of the country. Butler's experience in government and commitment to community engagement will be key to translating policy into real-world impact.

The details

As the new director of political advocacy at ACLU-NJ, Butler plans to build out a team of five to strengthen the organization's work across policy, legislative advocacy, and civic engagement. His priorities include codifying the Immigrant Trust Directive into law, limiting data-sharing with federal agencies, expanding clemency and sentencing reform, and increasing voter participation in underrepresented communities.

  • Butler started his new role at ACLU-NJ three weeks ago.
  • The New Jersey legislature is currently considering two major immigration bills that ACLU-NJ is focused on this session.

The players

John Butler

The new director of political advocacy at ACLU-NJ, who previously worked in Gov. Phil Murphy's administration.

Amol Sinha

The executive director of ACLU-NJ, who says Butler is the 'right leader at the right time' to execute the organization's vision.

Phil Murphy

The governor of New Jersey, whose administration Butler previously worked for.

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What they’re saying

“I'm proud to launch our Political Advocacy Department so we can set a bold policy and political agenda to deliver even more civil rights victories. John Butler is the right leader at the right time to execute that vision. In this unprecedented moment, as the Trump administration continues to brutalize our communities, under John's steady leadership, we will build a better future for all who call our state home.”

— Amol Sinha, ACLU-NJ Executive Director

“The ACLU was often one of our first calls when civil rights issues came up. We'd ask for their perspective, their concerns, and how policies could be improved. So now I'm stepping into a role leading people whose input I relied on from the other side.”

— John Butler, Director of Political Advocacy, ACLU-NJ

What’s next

The New Jersey legislature is currently considering two major immigration bills that ACLU-NJ is focused on this session, and Butler plans to work towards their passage.

The takeaway

John Butler's experience in government and commitment to community engagement will be crucial as ACLU-NJ works to translate policy into real-world impact and make New Jersey a model for civil rights protections in the face of unprecedented threats at the federal level.