About us

1868 Public Affairs is a full-service government and public affairs consultancy with offices in Trenton, New Jersey. The partners and staff of 1868 Public Affairs possess diverse backgrounds and skills that are reflective of the complex government and business environments in which they work. Every advocacy need of our clients can be met by 1868 Public Affairs.

Our Team

Idida Rodriguez

Idida Rodriguez is a distinguished and accomplished government affairs professional. With more than 30 years of experience working in New Jersey's political environment, Idida has played a significant role in high-profile campaigns at all levels of government. A veteran in government relations, she specializes in political affairs, business development, redevelopment, legislative matters, and public policy.

Idida Rodriguez

Managing Partner

Leroy Jones Jr

LeRoy J. Jones, Jr. has excelled both as an elected official and as an executive during his distinguished career of more than 30 years. He has served in the New Jersey State Assembly, on the Essex County Commissioner Board, and as East Orange city administrator. During his time in the private sector, he developed and implemented successful operational planning and strategies. LeRoy brings this wide range of experience to 1868 Public Affairs which enables him to effectively represent clients' interests at all levels of government. 

Leroy Jones Jr.

Partner

Patrick Torpey

Pat brings extensive experience in both politics and policy to 1868 Public Affairs. For over 25 years he has played a prominent role in state-wide Republican politics and has served both houses of New Jersey’s legislature as Executive Director of the Assembly Republican Majority Committee, a Senior Research Associate for the Senate Majority, and a Senior Policy Advisor on the Assembly Republican staff.

Patrick Torpey

Partner

Dan Smith

Before joining 1868 Public Affairs, Dan served as Senior Advisor to New Jersey General Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. In this role, he wielded significant influence over pivotal legislative decisions, handled public relations, and actively participated in complex budgetary processes. Additionally, he contributed to the development of landmark legislation, showcasing his skill in navigating the intricacies of government and policy.

Dan Smith

Senior Associate

Wendy S. Martinez

With over 15 years of experience, Wendy has developed effective engagement, communication, and marketing strategies that appeal to markets with a diverse range of linguistic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. Wendy is an influential figure in women's politics, public policy, immigration, ethnic and faith-based issues. Wendy was recognized as a 2021 and 2022 People of Color and Women in Business Influencer by ROI-NJ Media Group.

Wendy S. Martinez

Senior Associate

Al Harris

Al Harris is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in government, politics, marketing, business, and public relations. He adds a wealth of knowledge and skill to 1868 Public Affairs, using his previous experience navigating the complex terrain of state and federal government. Furthermore, his comprehensive awareness of legislative procedures, political dynamics, and strategic planning helps him to effectively advocate for clients and obtain positive outcomes. He has a track record of successful collaborations and meaningful initiatives.

Al Harris

Senior Associate

Contact Us


Testimonial

  • Walmart’s change in behavior allowed for the development of relationships with several of New Jersey’s largest trade unions, which effectively split the labor community and stalled both anti-big box and healthcare legislation that would have had a profoundly negative impact on the company’s operations in New Jersey. Walmart, which had for years only built prototype stores, began showing flexibility in design and size that allowed for give-and-take in the local and state agency approval process. A process, which had once proved almost always adversarial, has become more collaborative. A focus on charitable giving has helped address the negative image promulgated by the unions that continue to oppose Walmart, and highlights the benefits to the community of having Walmart as a good neighbor.
    WALMART STORES, INC.

  • Governor Christie restored the $13 million in funding for reimbursement for home health care while Bayada was able to reduce costs in conjunction with the Department of Human Services to enable the department to meet its budget goals.
    BAYADA NURSES, INC.

  • Two things that distinguishes 1868 Public Affairs from other lobbying firms is professionalism and experience. Members of the firm tell us the honest truth about our chances on a particular issue and have the experience to make it happen. When we go to them with an issue, we know we are going to get a fair and reliable assessment.
    Richard T Thigpen
    Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Citizenship
    State Governmental Affairs
    PSEG

  • When things looked most desperate in the midst of the Pandemic,1868 Public Affairs did their best work getting to the high level decision makers and helping secure needed funds for PPE and overtime for our front line healthcare workers. The 1868 Team understood how the crisis impacted our business and guided us down a path to success
    Linda Mintz
    Co-Chairman, CareFinders Total Care

  • As a non-profit community development and social service agency, much of what we do is related to what happens in Trenton—from funding to policy development and beyond. 1868 has that unique blend of dedication to its clients and the ability to make sure the voice of its clients is heard. Ultimately, that helps us and groups that do important work in communities across the state.
    Robert Guarasci
    Founder & CEO