New Jersey Statehouse Watch
P O D C A S T
with
Jack Brangan and Constance Ditzel
Follow the Legislation that shapes New Jersey
Airs the 2nd & 4th Tuesday each month at 7:30 PM
Or download from Apple, Spotify, orAmazon Music
What’s happening in Trenton—and why it matters
New Jersey Statehouse Watch
P O D C A S T
The Legislature & committees
Bills, committees, and votes that shape New Jersey
The BUdget and taxes
Where the money goes—and who decides
executive power and policy
Executive decisions that drive state policy
We break down the bills
moving through the New Jersey Legislature
before they become LAW
Your Hosts for the
NEW JERSEY STATEHOUSE WATCH
Focused on Making Complex Bills Understandable
New Jersey Statehouse Watch is hosted by JACK BRANGAN and CONSTANCE DITZEL, bringing a citizen-focused lens to the decisions made inside Trenton. They examine legislation moving through the State Assembly and State Senate and speak directly with lawmakers, policy experts, and political insiders shaping New Jersey’s future.
The mission is simple: follow the legislation, explain the process, and make clear how state government decisions affect taxpayers, families, and communities across New Jersey.
CONSTANCE DITZEL
Constance Ditzel brings clear, thoughtful questioning to discussions on New Jersey policy. She previously ran as a candidate for the New Jersey State Assembly and has a background in commissioning and creating education content in our schools.
JACK BRANGAN
Jack Brangan previously ran as a candidate for the New Jersey State Assembly and is active in parental rights inititatives. Jack is also the owner of American Christmas Products, patriotic Christmas gifts and decorations.
Upcoming Podcasts
Our All-Star Line-up.
Fighting for New Jersey
May 26, 2026
Brian Bergen
Assemblyman LD26
June 9, 2026
Chris Russell
Checkmate Strategies
June 23, 2026
Audrey Lane
Garden State Initiative
Meet Our Upcoming Guests
May 12,2026
Vicky Flynn
Assemblywoman LD13
Vicky Flynn has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2022 and has served as parliamentarian since January 2026. She previously served as deputy conference leader from 2024 to 2026.
Flynn earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Rutgers University in 1996 and a law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1999. She was selected by Jaynee LaVecchia to serve as her first law clerk following her appointment to the New Jersey Supreme Court. Her law practice is in Middletown.
Flynn served on the Holmdel Board of Education from 2016 to 2021, serving her final four years as president, and on the Nutley Board of Education from 2011 to 2013, serving her final year as vice president. She and her husband, Mike Naughton, have three daughters.
May 26, 2026
Brian Bergen
Assemblyman LD26
Brian Bergen graduated from West Point in 2001 and served with distinction for 8 years in the US Army. During his service, he earned several honors, including the Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge for actions as an Apache helicopter pilot in Iraq in 2005.
Brian’s work experience after the military is a rapid progression through a variety of positions across different industries. These positions included roles in finance, operations management, process improvement, General Management, executive management at the Vice President level, and entrepreneurship. Brian is an owner of A&B Stainless Valve.
His education includes a Bachelor of Science Degree from the United States Military Academy, an MBA from Rutgers Business School, a Master of Science in the Administration of Justice and Security from the University of Phoenix.
He has been involved in state and local government for several years as a member of the Zoning Board, Planning Board, Town Council and currently as an Assemblyman.
June 9, 2026
Chris Russell
Checkmate Strategies
Chris Russell is a prominent Republican political strategist and co-founder of Checkmate Strategies, a strategic communications and campaign consulting firm based in New Jersey.
He launched his own consulting business, Chris Russell Consulting LLC, in 2009. Since then, he has specialized in Republican campaigns, with a strong focus on challenging races in the Northeast's difficult political environment.
Chris advised former New Jersey GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli, including the 2021 near-upset race. He also helped Congressman Mike Lawler (NY) to secure his 2022 upset victory over the DCCC chairman and his 2024 reelection in a heavily Democratic district.
Audrey Lane is President of the Garden State Initiative (GSI), where she leads efforts to promote economic growth and fiscal responsibility in New Jersey. She is recognized for her advocacy and creative awareness campaigns that bring together grassroots organizations, legislators, and community leaders.
Audrey is well known for her in-depth analysis of the New Jersey state budget — its structural intricacies, spending nuances, legislative earmarks, and the policy choices that contribute to the state’s high taxes and living costs.
Before her promotion to President of Garden State Initiative in 2024, Audrey served as GSI’s Policy Director. Before joining GSI, she was Executive Director of Jersey 1st, focusing on education, overregulation, community safety, and post-pandemic recovery efforts for families and businesses with disabilities.
June 23,2026
Audrey Lane
Garden State Initiative
New Jersey
THE DECISIONS ARE MADE HERE
YOU DESERVE TO SEE THEM HAPPEN
Who Should We Talk To Next?
Suggest legislators, policy experts, civic leaders, or voices shaping New Jersey policy.