The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission today approved an additional $1.9 million in matching funds under New Jersey’s Gubernatorial Public Financing Program.
On the Republican side, Jack Ciattarelli received $1,070,612 in the latest round, bring his total to $5,188,666, and Jon Bramnick was awarded $400,910; he has now received $2,661,301.
Josh Gottheimer was the only Democrat approved for additional matching funds today: he will get $451,848, bring his total matching funds haul to $3,720,420.
So far, ELEC has approved $15,472,391 in matching funds.
Steve Sweeney has received $3,242,742 in matching funds, followed by Steve Fulop ($2,466,523) and Mikie Sherrill ($1,435,481). Sherrill submitted a new request to draw more money this week. Bill Spadea, Ras Baraka, and Sean Spiller have not yet received matching funds, but it’s possible they have already filed their first request.
Nine gubernatorial candidates—six Democrats and three Republicans—raised a combined $15.6 million as of the end of 2024.
Under New Jersey’s public financing plan, candidates are eligible to receive $2 for every $1 raised. The fundraising threshold is $580,000, and the deductible not matched is $185,000. Candidates who raise less than $580,000 by March 24 will be ineligible to participate in two debates sanctioned by ELEC.
Candidates in the primary may qualify for up to $5.5 million in matching funds and agree to an $8.7 million cap on primary campaign expenditures. Gubernatorial contenders must raise $3.2 million to hit the $8.7 million number.
