ELEC disburses $1 million in matching funds to each candidate

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission disbursed about $1 million in matching funds to each major nominee for governor on Monday, according to a press release. 

ELEC disbursed $1,088,374 to Republican former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli and $1,075,525 to Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), according to the announcement. 

Ciattarelli and Sherrill are about 32% of the way to the $12.5 million matching funds cap. Each has so far received a little more than $4 million in public funds.

Candidates may receive up to $12.5 million in public funds, subject to a $2-for-$1 match, in the general election. That comes with a $18.5 million spending cap, though super PACs and independent expenditures can continue spending to support their favored candidate. Candidates must raise $580,000 to qualify for matching funds.

Sherrill and Ciattarelli are the only candidates to qualify thus far; a third-party candidate would have to raise $580,000 by Sept. 2 to qualify.

ELEC distributed over $37.5 million in matching funds in the primary election, a record-setting amount.