Is Central Jersey Real? Stephen Colbert Wades Into The Debate

EDISON, NJ — Stephen Colbert has taken on some fairly controversial topics during his tenure at "The Late Show," but last night's episode might be his most controversial yet, at least among New Jerseyans: Does Central Jersey exist?

The argument has been ruminating among New Jersyans for years but gained more attention this past January, when Governor Phil Murphy gave Central Jersey a shout out during his inauguration speech. Now, Colbert has waded into the debate, getting expert opinions and chatting with the governor about the middle section of the state.

In an interview that aired Thursday night on "The Late Show," Murphy defended the existence of Central Jersey, describing it as "a little bit of a mystical kingdom, kind of a Camelot. It's in the mist, you sort of have to reach in and grasp it. It's not abstract, I promise you."

Not everyone agrees with the governor's assessment of Central Jersey.

"In 'Living On a Prayer,' Jon Bon Jovi points out, 'we're halfway there.' Not, 'a third of the way there,'" Rutgers Law professor Jay Feinman said (it's worth pointing out, Bon Jovi's hometown, Sayreville, would probably be considered Central Jersey by those who believe in it).

North Jerseyan and political reporter Claude Brodesser-Akner agreed, saying, "We know why Central Jersey as a word was invented, so people don't have to say they're from South Jersey."

Here at Patch, the New Jersey team was able to reach a fairly quick consensus: yes, Central Jersey is real. And we would know; Patch covers central Jersey towns in Middlesex, Mercer, Union, Somerset and Monmouth counties. (Tom Davis, the editor for New Jersey, suggested the Shore as a fourth region, but that's an argument for another article.)

You don't have to just take our word for it. Jon Stewart, who grew up in Lawrenceville and currently owns farms in Middletown and Colts Neck, made the final "Late Show" ruling.

"I, Jon Stewart, the Chief Justice of New Jersey, herby declareth by the power vested in be by whatever it is in the air around Elizabeth, that Central Jersey does exist, I grew up there," Stewart said.

He couldn't resist getting in a dig at our neighbors to the west, though.

"Philadelphia does not exist. It actually somewhere, a suburb of northwest s---hole," Stewart quipped. "Also known as Delaware."

You can watch the full segment here. Do you think Central Jersey is a real place? Let us know in the comments!

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