In his first six weeks as a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor of New Jersey, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly), the Human Fundraising Machine, raised $1.66 million and qualified for matching funds under New Jersey’s Gubernatorial Public Financing program.
Gottheimer surpassed the $580,000 threshold to qualify for matching funds, and his fundraising haul means he’ll get $2.95 million under the state’s $2-for-every-$1 plan. That puts Gottheimer at $4.6 million so far.
In exchange for public financing, candidates agree to an $8.7 million cap on campaign spending — $5.5 million from matching funds. But that doesn’t include soft side spending by super PACs and independent groups.
The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission is considering an increase in the cap after the primary election date was changed from June 3 to June 10 to take an extra week of spending into consideration.
The maximum contribution is $5,800.
“New Jersey families know that as governor, Josh will be focused singularly on lowering costs and lowering taxes, and putting more money back into their pockets,” said Peter Opitz, a spokesperson for the Gottheimer campaign. “Voters want a governor that will take on and solve the toughest problems, including driving down the cost of childcare and utility bills, making housing more affordable, and helping their families get by every month. They know Josh is the right leader for the job. As the ‘Lower Taxes, Lower Costs’ Governor, Josh will always fight for Jersey families.”
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop hit his full match number in October 2023 and raised $2.2 million in his first quarter. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has raised $1.146 million for his gubernatorial bid.
Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), who joined the governor’s race three days after Gottheimer, raised a massive $600,000 in her first 24 hours as a candidate. Sherrill has not yet announced her year-end fundraising numbers.
RELATED ARTICLES
-
October 6, 2023 -
October 1, 2019 -
July 22, 2023