Hudson County Democrats Ask New Jersey Attorney General to Drop Paramount-Warner Merger Lawsuit

Hudson County Democratic leaders wrote an op-ed urging New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport to pull the state out of a lawsuit that seeks to block the merger of Paramount-Skydance with Warner Bros. Discovery. The group, which includes Bayonne Mayor Sharon Ashe-Nadowski, County Executive Craig Guy and several state legislators, said the deal could bring a $1.2 billion investment to the county through the planned 1888 Studios complex in Bayonne, creating permanent jobs and expanding the local film and television sector.

"The extraordinary stakes for New Jersey in this matter, however, give rise to this rare but consequential disagreement," the officials wrote, adding that New Jersey has built a competitive media industry and that Paramount has pledged a long-term production presence in the state.

The officials also expressed concern over the use of taxpayer funds for litigation they described as having uncertain merits, noting that a U.S. Department of Justice review found the merger unlikely to harm competition. They asked the attorney general to either withdraw from the case or work toward a prompt resolution.

Governor Mike Sherrill previously said the state welcomes Paramount’s investment, describing New Jersey as “Hollywood East.” In a July press release, Davenport said the merger would combine two major film distributors and cable companies, potentially harming competition and consumers, and that New Jersey must protect its residents from corporate monopolies. Her office declined to comment on the Hudson County letter.

Legal analysts noted that while the local officials have a legitimate interest in the economic impact of the studio project, the broader competitive landscape includes major streaming services that also affect the industry.