Remembering Matt Arco: Esteemed NJ Advance Media Reporter Dies at 39
New Jersey — The journalism community across New Jersey and beyond is reeling from the sudden and tragic loss of Matt Arco, a respected and widely admired political reporter for NJ Advance Media, who died unexpectedly of natural causes at the age of 39. His passing, announced by the outlet on Thursday, May 1, 2025, marks the loss of a sharp, passionate journalist whose work consistently held power to account and gave voice to the people of New Jersey.
Matt Arco was more than just a byline. In a newsroom often filled with the intensity of deadlines and the chaos of politics, he was a steady, driven, and deeply human presence. He joined NJ Advance Media in 2014 as the very first hire for the newly formed newsroom that provides content to NJ.com and The Star-Ledger, quickly establishing himself as one of its most trusted and essential reporters. His passion for uncovering truth, paired with a no-nonsense style of reporting, made him a standout voice in the state’s political media.
In a heartfelt tribute, NJ Advance Media described Arco as “deeply sourced, eager to sniff out hypocrisy, and beloved by colleagues, friends, and family.” For nearly a decade, Arco covered the often turbulent landscape of New Jersey politics, reporting under two gubernatorial administrations — Chris Christie and Phil Murphy — and more recently expanding into national political coverage.
His journalistic excellence earned widespread respect from colleagues and public officials alike. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, in a public statement, described Arco as “one of the brightest and most talented journalists in New Jersey’s press corps,” adding that his loss is “a tragic blow to our state,” and “a reminder of how much we rely on those who tell the stories of our government and our people.”
“Matt was a contemporary of mine. He was tough, in the best sense of the word, but he was also decent. And he was also pretty funny,” Platkin said. “I will miss him.”
Arco was known for going beyond the surface of political events, digging deep into policies and motivations while always keeping the human impact in focus. One of his most celebrated works was his newsletter, What Makes Chris Christie Run?, launched during the former governor’s second presidential bid. The newsletter earned Arco a National Press Club Award and a nomination for a Shorty Award, cementing his reputation as one of the most insightful political observers in the state.
Born in 1985, Arco pursued his passion for journalism from a young age. He graduated from the University at Albany with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism in 2009. His career began at the Roswell Daily Record in New Mexico and included a stint at the Portland Daily Sun, before he joined PolitickerNJ as a Statehouse reporter. It was at NJ Advance Media where he found a professional home and became a leading figure in New Jersey political reporting.
In the newsroom, Arco was more than a journalist — he was a friend, a mentor, and a source of levity. Colleagues recall his professionalism, quick wit, and humility. “You could not find a more professional, more respected, kinder, gentler or funnier guy,” said one longtime coworker. “I will miss you, little bro. Rest in peace.”
His passing leaves behind a profound void not only in the lives of his family and loved ones, but in the corridors of Trenton’s Statehouse, where his pointed questions and fearless reporting earned both grudging respect and genuine admiration.
At just 39 years old, Matt Arco’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of what journalism can be at its best — a tool for accountability, a platform for truth, and a voice for the people. His work will continue to resonate in the stories he told and in the standard of excellence he set for others in the field.
Plans for memorial services have not yet been publicly announced. Tributes from journalists, elected officials, and newsrooms across the country continue to pour in on social media, reflecting the deep and widespread impact of a life dedicated to public service through journalism.