Murphy hits cap on matching funds

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) distributed $1.1 million in public matching funds today, bringing its cumulative investment in the gubernatorial election to $19.6 million.

Of the $1.1 million, Gov. Phil Murphy received $260,723, and has now reached the total matching fund cap of $10.5 million. Murphy was already 98% of the way to the limit last week, which is why his intake this week was so small.

Republican gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli, meanwhile, received the remaining $804,689; he’s now 87% of the way to his fundraising cap.

Both candidates have agreed to a total spending limit of $15.6 million, which gives them access to the $2-to-$1 matching fund program. The limit does not apply to any independent expenditures, including spending by state and national party organizations.