Zwicker laps Pappas on fundraising 11 times over

Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker (D-South Brunswick) raised more than 11 times as much money as his Republican opponent, former Rep. Michael Pappas, 29-day pre-election reports filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission show.

The Democrat brought in $149,060.60 through May 7, while Pappas raised just $12,954.50.

The candidates spent roughly equal amounts — $9,365.67 for Pappas and $9,177.72 for Zwicker — but that leaves Zwicker with an immense cash lead. The assemblyman had $160,869.43 in his war chest on May 7, while Pappas had only $3,588.83.

Jeffrey Grant, who is also seeking the Republican nod to run for State Senate in the 16th district, filed a form saying he would not spend more than $5,800.

The Democrat’s joint fundraising committee had a cash advantage too. It raised $19,641.89, all from the Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee, and spent $19,787.89, leaving $1,926.91 in reserves.

The Republican joint committee brought in $11,280.46 and spent $6,220.94. It had $5,059.52 left on hand.

The district’s Democratic Assembly candidates also had a cash lead. Assemblyman Roy Freiman (D-Hillsborough) raised $63,243.41 and spent $11,834.53. His war chest had $88,495.49 inside it on May 7.

Former Montgomery Mayor Sadaf Jaffer reported raising $26,623.02, and she spent just $187.11, leaving her with $26,435.91 cash on hand.

Manville Councilman Joe Lukac raised $23,376.39, making him the district’s top Republican fundraiser. He spent $7,595.06 and had $15,781.33 banked on May 7.

Hunterdon Central Regional Board of Education President Vinny Panico, the other GOP Assembly candidate, brought in just $5,591.85. He spent $1,219.58 and had $4,372.27 left in his war chest.