Censorship for Hire? NJ Globe’s Political Gatekeeping Raises Alarming Questions About Bias and Control by Senator Brian Stack

An article by Leroy Truth

In what appears to be a troubling pattern of political censorship, recent developments involving the New Jersey Globe raise serious concerns about the integrity of the state’s political media landscape. The outlet—founded and managed by David Wildstein, a former political operative with a checkered history—has once again refused to run paid political advertisements after initially agreeing to do so, leading many to believe that the publication is deeply compromised by political influence, particularly from State Senator and Union City Mayor Brian Stack.

The most recent controversy centers around the campaign of Tony Hector and Frank Alonso, candidates for the New Jersey General Assembly in Legislative District 33. According to a detailed email exchange reviewed by this publication, their campaign’s representative, Joseph Blaettler—a retired union city police deputy chief and campaign chair—entered into negotiations with NJ Globe to purchase an advertising package. Blaettler and General Manager Kevin Sanders engaged in weeks of back-and-forth, discussing pricing, designs, contract terms, and final approval of ad artwork. Everything was set: the payment was mailed, the designs were approved, the start date was established.

Then, without warning, the rug was pulled out.

“We are unable to accommodate this ad campaign. I should have informed you earlier, at the start,” Sanders abruptly wrote on April 17, just days after finalizing all details and receiving confirmation that the check and signed contract were in the mail. The campaign was blindsided. The real reason? While unstated in the email chain, campaign insiders believe the decision was influenced by the simultaneous appearance of paid political advertisements for Senator Brian Stack—an entrenched Hudson County political boss whose grip over local and state politics is legendary.

This isn’t the first time NJ Globe has been accused of suppressing political messaging that challenges the establishment. Over a year ago, independent journalist and investigator Leroy Truth encountered nearly identical treatment. After consulting directly with David Wildstein about placing ad content critical of establishment figures, Wildstein initially agreed, only to rescind the offer after reviewing the content.

The question must be asked: Is New Jersey Globe serving the public, or merely protecting the political class?

The Wildstein Factor

At the center of this controversy is David Wildstein, NJ Globe’s founder and publisher. Wildstein’s name is already stained in New Jersey political history for his role in the infamous “Bridgegate” scandal—an abuse-of-power political revenge scheme that closed lanes on the George Washington Bridge to punish a mayor who refused to endorse then-Governor Chris Christie. Wildstein pleaded guilty to federal charges, admitting to his role in orchestrating the politically motivated shutdown.

Given that Wildstein was literally convicted of using infrastructure to silence political opposition, is it any surprise that he may now be using media for the same purpose?

Wildstein has rebranded himself as a journalist, but many critics argue that NJ Globe operates less like an impartial newsroom and more like a weaponized extension of the Hudson County Democratic machine—specifically, Senator Brian Stack. Stack’s dominance in Union City and surrounding areas is well-known, but his influence appears to stretch much further when independent and opposition voices are silenced by supposedly neutral media outlets.

The Cost of Speaking Truth

Campaigns are required to communicate with the public, and digital ads are one of the most effective ways to reach voters. When a publication like NJ Globe dangles access in front of a campaign—only to rescind it once it realizes the content is critical of establishment allies—that’s not just bad business, it’s unethical. It’s also a profound disservice to voters.

This incident underscores why Hector and Alonso’s campaign has centered itself on anti-corruption, term limits, and the dismantling of entrenched political dynasties that manipulate media, public contracts, and public opinion for their own survival. The refusal of NJ Globe to run their approved and paid-for ads is a red flag—not only for the campaign, but for all New Jerseyans who expect transparency and fairness in political discourse.

A Call for Transparency and Reform

This issue should concern every voter, journalist, and policymaker in the state. The media has an obligation to act as a neutral platform for ideas—not a gatekeeper that serves only the politically connected. If NJ Globe refuses to explain its sudden change in position or disclose its ties to political figures like Stack, then it forfeits any claim to journalistic credibility.

Political favoritism in the press, especially when tied to figures with a history like Wildstein’s, must be exposed and condemned. This isn’t just about one campaign—it’s about the very foundation of democratic dialogue in New Jersey. Additionally, is it possible that Former NJ Governor Chris Christie still works in the shadows for Political Boss Brian Stack?