ELEC sends $2.6 million in matching funds to seven candidates

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission disbursed $2.6 million in public funds to seven gubernatorial candidates Friday, according to a release.

Republican Jack Ciattarelli received $311,334 in this week’s round of funding, meaning he has now received the maximum $5.5 million in public matching funds, the first candidate to reach that ceiling.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka received his first lump of public funding Friday, a $841,913 sum.

State Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield) received a little more than $100,000, bringing his total in the cycle to $2,768,991.

Officials disbursed $212,022 to Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop—he’s received $3,893,269 in public funds so far. Former Senate President Steve Sweeney was granted $158,840, and he’s now received $3,904,417 in all.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly) received $463,556 this week, notching his total to $4,650,082. Officials disbursed $552,085 to Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), putting her at $4,262,570 received this cycle.

ELEC has now delivered $25,821,242 in matching funds this primary cycle, according to the commission.

Bill Spadea has not yet received matching funds. New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller failed to raise $580,000 and did not qualify for matching funds.

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. 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.