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
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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 Guests
Don’t Miss These Live Discussions on New Jersey’s Future
April 14, 2026
Melanie Dragone
NJ Public Health Innovation
April 28, 2026
Dawn Fantasia
Assemblywoman LD24
May 26, 2026
Brian Bergen
Assemblyman LD26
June 9, 2026
Chris Russell
Checkmate Strategies
June 23, 2026
Audrey Lane
Garden State Initiative
April 14,2026
Melanie Dragone
NJ Public Health Innovation
I am a wife and mother. My husband and I have been married for fifteen years and we have three children.
This journey began for me in 2007, when an angel entered my life. She moved me to listen to my gut by asking the difficult questions that I had been avoiding and by seeking the answers fearlessly. This very special woman inspired me to do the work necessary to protect my family. I will forever be grateful for this gift and for the opportunity to pass it on to so many others over the years.
Being involved in NJPHIPAC is pivotal for me. I hope to help create an opportunity for the New Jersey Health Freedom Movement to have a seat at the negotiating table. By putting our dollars into action, we can become more than just a large voting bloc. We can make our voice heard all year round, in a way that every legislator can understand.
April 28, 2026
Dawn Fantasia
Assemblywoman LD24
Dawn Fantasia has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2024, representing the 24th District. She is a lifelong educator who has worked in public and charter schools since 2007 as a teacher, principal, and district administrator. She was named Teacher of the Year in 2010 at Bergen Arts and Science Charter School in Garfield, where she now directs English and math enrichment programs.
She graduated from Wallkill Valley Regional High School in Hamburg and earned her bachelor’s degree in 1995 from Davis & Elkins College. In 2014, she earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Capella University through a working mother scholarship.
Before joining the Legislature, Fantasia served on the Sussex County
She lives in Franklin Borough and raised three children as a single parent. In her spare time, she enjoys target shooting, hunting, fishing, clamming, and farming.
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.
Audrey Lane is President of the Garden State Initiative (GSI). A public relations and communications professional, she is known for her advocacy and creative awareness campaigns working with grassroots organizations, legislators, and community leaders at the local and state levels.
Before joining GSI, Lane served as Executive Director of Jersey 1st, where she worked with New Jersey families and businesses on issues including education, overregulation, and community safety. She also collaborated directly with state legislators to reopen facilities and support people with disabilities as New Jersey emerged from pandemic shutdowns.
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.