Nine candidates for 2025 gubernatorial primary nomination already have raised a combined $15.6 million and spent $5.3 million, according to quarterly reports filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC).
Candidates as a group also report having about $9.3 million in reserves available as they gear up for the June 10 primary.
“The fact that candidates already have raised $15.6 million with 145 days until the primary is a strong sign that this year’s election will be record-breaking,’’ said Joe Donohue, ELEC’s Deputy Director.
Table 1
Campaign Finance Activity Reported by 2025 Gubernatorial Primary Candidates
(Ranked by Funds Raised)
Candidate
Raised
Spent
Net Worth
Party
Stephen Fulop
$ 3,174,706
$ 640,720
$2,304,270
Democrat
Jack Ciattarelli
$ 2,934,567
$1,356,818
$1,536,899
Republican
Steve Sweeney
$ 2,425,827
$ 399,063
$1,921,370
Democrat
Josh Gottheimer
$ 1,658,774
$ 147,745
$1,501,099
Democrat
Jon Bramnick
$ 1,535,631
$1,131,937
$ 384,494
Republican
Mikie Sherrill
$ 1,392,060
$ 387,734
$ 604,326
Democrat
Ras Baraka
$ 1,162,168
$ 648,043
$ 503,391
Democrat
Bill Spadea
$ 1,126,655
$ 534,029
$ 470,797
Republican
Sean Spiller
$ 182,884
$ 64,253
$ 73,890
Democrat
Roger Bacon
NA
NA
NA
Republican
Monica Brinson
NA
NA
NA
Republican
Robert Canfield
NA
NA
NA
Republican
Edward Durr
NA
NA
NA
Republican
James Fazzone
NA
NA
NA
Republican
Hans Herberg
NA
NA
NA
Republican
Totals
$15,593,272
$5,310,343
$9,300,536
Donohue noted that 15 candidates1 already are vying for the primary.
1 Excludes three independent candidates.
“This is the second largest number since 1981, when 19 primary contestants sought the nomination,’’ he said. “That year was the first when public funds were available for New Jersey gubernatorial primaries.”
The $15.6 million in fundraising is preliminary and represents only what candidates themselves have raised so far from private contributors. Compared to spending totals from the 11 previous gubernatorial primary elections since 1981, the current year already ranks fifth without adjusting for inflation.
Under the Gubernatorial Public Financing program, qualifying candidates in 2025 can receive up to $5.5 million if they raise about $2.9 million from private sources under a 2-for-1 matching program. More public funds will be available in the general election.
“Except for the 2025 figure, which is based solely on candidate fundraising thus far, spending totals below are based on final candidate fundraising plus their public funds,’’ Donohue said. “Candidates are still expected to raise substantial additional sums from private donors. And several may qualify to receive public funds.”
Table 2
2025 Preliminary Fundraising Versus Final
Candidate Spending in Past Primaries
Year
Candidate Primary
Spending
Inflation Adjusted
2017
$34,494,741
$44,144,178
2005
$28,461,596
$45,714,744
2001
$23,019,458
$40,796,332
2021
$16,735,704
$19,374,124
2025*
$15,593,272
$15,593,272
1989
$15,034,503
$38,033,534
2009
$14,807,441
$21,650,957
1981
$14,751,459
$50,906,165
1997
$10,132,370
$19,803,196
1993
$ 9,967,456
$21,637,933
2013
$ 9,677,478
$13,031,239
1985
$ 6,224,289
$18,145,827
*Preliminary candidate fundraising only. Does not include public funds.
In 1974, New Jersey became the first state to authorize distribution of public matching funds to gubernatorial candidates starting with the 1977 general election.
Reports filed by candidates can be obtained on ELEC’s website at www.elec.nj.gov.
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Insider NJ recently reported that gubernatorial candidates in New Jersey have raised an impressive $15.6 million in campaign funds. This substantial amount of money highlights the intense competition and high stakes involved in the upcoming gubernatorial race.
The fundraising efforts of these candidates are crucial in determining their ability to effectively reach voters, promote their platforms, and ultimately secure victory in the election. With such a significant amount of money already raised, it is clear that the candidates are taking their campaigns seriously and are willing to invest heavily in their bid for the governor’s seat.
The breakdown of campaign funds raised by each candidate will be a key factor in determining their competitiveness in the race. Candidates who have raised a substantial amount of money will have more resources at their disposal to fund advertising, organize events, and mobilize supporters. On the other hand, candidates with lower fundraising totals may struggle to keep up with their better-funded opponents.
It is important to note that fundraising is just one aspect of a successful campaign. Candidates must also have a strong message, a clear vision for the future, and the ability to connect with voters on a personal level. Ultimately, it will be up to the voters of New Jersey to decide which candidate they believe is best suited to lead the state as its next governor.
As the gubernatorial race heats up and the candidates continue to raise funds, it will be interesting to see how these financial resources are utilized and how they impact the outcome of the election. With $15.6 million already in play, this promises to be a closely watched and highly competitive race.
