Author Archive

Breaking down Biden’s SOTU and the push for bipartisanship in Washington and NJ – Chat Box

February 11, 2023

On Chat Box, David Cruz talks with Republican strategist Chris Russell and New Jersey State Democratic Committee Chairman LeRoy Jones Jr., who break down President Biden’s State of the Union Address. They discuss Biden’s push for bipartisanship and if politicians in Washington and New Jersey can find a way to work together on several issues. Russell and Jones also discuss upcoming key legislative races in the state.

Voters search for Kean, demand town halls – NJ Spotlight News

January 18, 2023

Chris Russell on NJ GOP: ‘We’re not winning here if we’re divided’ – Chat Box

November 20, 2022

On Chat Box, David Cruz talks with Republican strategist Chris Russell about the state of New Jersey’s Republican Party. They discuss the Trump effect and if former President Donald Trump is the right GOP candidate in the 2024 presidential election, as well as what the GOP agenda needs to be going forward.

What are the priorities for NJ Democrats, Republicans in 2022? – Chat Box

January 23, 2022

LeRoy J. Jones Jr., Chair of the NJ Democratic State Committee and Chris Russell, Republican strategist and most recently a strategist with Jack Ciattarelli’s gubernatorial campaign, talk about the top legislative priorities for Democrats and Republicans. Also, reactions to Gov. Murphy’s inaugural speech, redistricting and the future direction of both parties in the state.

What is redistricting? – Chat Box

January 20, 2022

David Cruz breaks down all the headlines on redistricting in NJ – from the fight between Democrats and Republicans over the redrawing of the state’s congressional map and what it means for you and your community. Henal Patel from the NJ Institute for Social Justice joins Cruz to explain why redistricting matters and what’s at stake. Also, what are the top issues and priorities for Democrats and Republicans as Gov. Murphy starts his second term? Cruz talks with Republican Strategist Chris Russell and LeRoy J. Jones Jr., Chair of the NJ Democratic State Committee.

Ciattarelli camp says Monmouth poll ‘wrong’ on Murphy lead – NJ Spotlight News

October 27, 2021

With less than a week to go before New Jersey elects its next governor, a new Monmouth University poll puts Gov. Phil Murphy 11 points ahead of his Republican challenger, Jack Ciattarelli, 50 to 39. But Ciattarelli campaign strategist Chris Russell maintains that “…we’re looking at a pretty close race on Election Day. Could go either way but it’s margin-of-error type stuff.”

From Campaign Strategist to Political Business Owner

April 14, 2021

Chris Russell, the founder of Checkmate Strategies, talks to C&E’s Sunny Khahera about the evolution of his firm. One important lesson for firm owners: never forget this is ultimately a customer service business.

Ciattarelli campaigning into 2021 Gubernatorial election – NJ Spotlight News

April 2, 2021

Our Chief Political Correspondent Michael Aron went on the record with Chris Russell, political consultant for the Ciattarelli campaign.

Professor Pelosi

January 1, 2021

2021 Reed Award


Cliff & Newman

January 1, 2021

2021 Reed Award