In the first election under a new legislative map, candidates for Senate and Assembly in New Jersey have raised over $37.5 million and spent $18.7 million as of twelve days ago, up nearly $6 million compared to the same time in 2021 and more than double the number raised and spent in 2019, according to an analysis by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission.
Democratic legislative candidates have raised about $18 million more than Republicans and had almost $10 million more in their warchest as of nearly two weeks ago.
ELEC Executive Director Jeff Brindle suggested that the increase in fundraising could be tied to a new law passed this year that raised campaign contribution limits for the first time in eighteen years.
“In addition, the political stakes are big. Republicans gained seats in the past two legislative elections and are looking to add more,” said Brindle. “At the same time, Democrats are fighting to maintain majorities they have held since 2002.”
The top independent spender so far is Prosperity Rising NJ, which is connected to Senate President Nicholas Scutari, the bill’s sponsor to raise the limits. The group has raised $1.7 million and spent $1.6 million.
American Representative Majority, tied to South Jersey Democrats, reported raising $583,000 and spending nearly $208,500. Another South Jersey Democratic group, Brighter Future Forward, did not begin spending money until after the October 6 cutoff; their financial information won’t be available until next month.
A group run by the Operating Engineers Local 825 union has sent $1.2 million, the Laborers’ Union-backed Growing Economic Opportunities has spent almost $1.16 million, and the New Jersey Education Association’s Garden State Forward has spent $1.1 million.
Planned Parenthood’s super PAC reported raising $100,100 and spending more than $44,000. The New Jersey Right to Life PAC has brought in $10,270 and spent $7,320.
These numbers are twelve days old and represent just a snapshot of time.
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March 30, 2020