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.
“….Nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”
- 14TH AMENDMENT UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION RATIFIED JULY 28, 1868
Idida Rodriguez is an accomplished and distinguished public affairs strategist with expertise in politics, business development, public policy, and legislative affairs. Idida has served on numerous New Jersey boards, provided consulting services, and held various senior leadership positions over the course of her thirty-year career. She is a member of the New Jersey Local Finance Board and William Paterson University Trustee.
Managing Partner
Leroy Jones Jr. is an experienced public servant and a distinguished corporate executive. Drawing from his experience as a County Commissioner, State Assemblyman, City Administrator of East Orange, PSE&G and AT&T executive, he works with the public and private sectors to achieve their goals even in the most difficult of political environments.
Partner
Patrick Torpey has extensive experience in politics and policy. For more than 25 years, Pat has been a prominent member of the Republican Party at the state level. He served in both houses of New Jersey's legislature as Executive Director of the Assembly Republican Majority Committee, Senior Research Associate on the Senate Majority staff, and Senior Policy Advisor on the Assembly Republican staff.
Partner
Dan Smith joined 1868 after years of government experience in the State Legislature, most recently serving as SeniorAdvisor to the General Assembly Speaker. Among his distinctive skills are political strategy, legislative and regulatory affairs, and public policy. Dan is a current member of the William Penn Bank Advisory Board and a former volunteer instructor.
Senior Associate
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.
Senior Associate
The experience of Al Harris in government, politics, marketing, business development, and public relations extends over more than ten years. In addition to working as a partisan staff member for the New Jersey Legislature, he was also appointed Director of State Government Relations for the New Jersey Housing Finance and Mortgage Agency. He also served as a Specialized Specialist for the Bureau of the Census, Philadelphia Region of the United States Department of Commerce.
Associate
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
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