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How candidates for N.J. governor would change the state’s policy positions
A crowded field has emerged to succeed Gov. Phil Murphy — and shape the future of New Jersey.
After two terms under the Democratic governor, some candidates want to bring the state further to the left to counter conservative policies coming from the Trump administration. Others want to drag it toward the MAGA brand of Republicanism. Some want only small change from the current status quo. And a few haven’t articulated clear positions on some of the biggest issues facing the state.
To break down which direction the state could be headed, POLITICO created the Murphy Meter, a visual guide to where the candidates stand on the issues — relative to the current governor.
POLITICO reached out to all major gubernatorial campaigns in the June 10 primary with a list of questions and reviewed hours of candidates forums, interviews, press conferences and debates, as well as other press clippings to determine candidates’ policy positions. Four candidates declined to respond to POLITICO’s questions: Rep. Mikie Sherrill, teacher’s union president Sean Spiller, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and state Sen. Jon Bramnick.
What the candidates say about tax policy
TAX POLICY UNDER MURPHY
Murphy has consistently supported taxing the wealthy and businesses to pay for his agenda. He campaigned in 2017 on creating the millionaire’s tax and won passage of the measure in 2020.
He went on to create the Corporate Transit Fee, an additional 2.5 percent tax on businesses with over $10 million in profits, to fund transportation. Now, in his final budget proposal, he wants to increase the mansion tax from 1 percent for homes over $1 million to 2 percent for homes over $1 million and 3 percent for homes over $2 million.
Ras Baraka D
NEWARK MAYOR
Baraka wants to tax the rich — and he's not shy about it. Businesses, the wealthy and purchasers of luxury goods would have to send more to Trenton under his governorship.
SUPPORTS
Cutting income taxes for residents making up to $90,000 while creating progressively higher tax brackets for incomes at $350,000 and above. Tax rates would peak at 14 percent for incomes over $10 million under his plan.
Reinstating the estate tax with a $1 million threshold, which was eliminated under former Gov. Chris Christie.
Increasing the mansion tax to 2 percent on home sales over $3 million.
Expanding the state sales tax to “luxury” goods like private club memberships and chartered flights, but would keep the sales tax at the same rate overall.
Expanding the Corporate Transit Fee to businesses with over $1 million in profits and extend it when it expires.
Steven Fulop D
JERSEY CITY MAYOR
Fulop wants to pay for his ambitious agenda in part by taxing the wealthy: “The millionaire's tax from 20 years ago is not a millionaire’s tax for today.”
SUPPORTS
Creating new tax brackets for people making over $2 million, $5 million and $10 million a year.
Making permanent the Corporate Transit Fee. The tax on businesses is set to sunset at the end of 2028.
Josh Gottheimer D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
Gottheimer wants broad income tax cuts using tax credits. He also wants to use state income taxes to offset property taxes.
SUPPORTS
Cutting state income taxes by providing a tax credit for all filers with dependents.
Using state income taxes to finance a $4.7 billion program to cut property taxes about 14 percent.
Cutting state income taxes by $1,000 for people 70 and older.
Matching new residents’ previous property tax rates. After moving to New Jersey, people would pay their previous states’ rates, phased out over a five-year period.
Steve Sweeney D
FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT
Sweeney has pledged "no new taxes" if governor.
SUPPORTS
Eliminating retirement income tax for seniors making $250,000 or less.
Mikie Sherrill D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
Sherrill has offered a vague vision for how she would address the state's major taxes as governor. Asked recently about raising taxes on the wealthy, she said: "Well I think we’re already doing that right now. We need other innovative solutions if we're going to move forward."
SUPPORTS
Expanding the child income tax credit.
Expanding the earned income tax credit.
Sean Spiller D
NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
Spiller does not have a dedicated section on taxes on his campaign website. He has committed to extending the Corporate Transit Fee for an unspecified time period once it expires.
Jon Bramnick R
STATE SENATOR
Bramnick is promising broad tax cuts.
SUPPORTS
Adjusting income tax brackets with inflation and reducing income taxes.
Reducing the business tax rate.
Eliminating the mansion tax, sponsoring legislation to do so.
Taxes on electric vehicles since they don’t pay gas tax: “People have electric cars who use the roads. They also wear out the roads. They should pay.”
OPPOSES
Increasing the gas tax, which he voted against and said could have been avoided by cutting spending in the budget.
Bill Spadea R
CONSERVATIVE RADIO HOST
Similar to other GOP candidates, Spadea is promising broad tax cuts. In a statement to POLITICO, he said "all of our taxes must be cut."
SUPPORTS
Lowering the corporate business tax to be 4 percent “or lower.”
Creating “opportunity zones” that would have no business taxes.
Lowering the mansion tax.
Lowering income taxes.
Increasing a tax on electric vehicles to “at least” $1,000 since they are exempt from the gas tax. Electric vehicles owners currently pay a $250 annual fee.
Keeping or cutting the sales tax rate: “I’d consider leaving it as is in order to cut other taxes. Otherwise, we must decrease it.”
Jack Ciattarelli R
FORMER ASSEMBLYMEMBER
Ciattarelli is promising across-the-board tax cuts for income taxes and businesses.
SUPPORTS
Cutting the corporate business tax by one percent every year for five years.
Reducing income taxes for all: “I have a plan to consolidate brackets from the current 7 down to 3 and reduce tax rates for all in those new brackets.”
Told POLITICO he wants to "freeze taxes for all seniors regardless of income."
OPPOSES
Expanding the sales tax to new services. And supports keeping the current sales tax rate.
The mansion tax, which he told POLITICO he wants to eliminate.
What the candidates say about "Stay NJ"
"STAY NJ" UNDER MURPHY
Murphy opposed earlier iterations of Stay NJ that provided more generous benefits to higher earners but eventually signed into law the current program. He has provided funding for it in his recent budgets.
Jon Bramnick R
STATE SENATOR
Bramnick voted in support of Stay NJ in the Legislature and said he still backs it: “I still support the program but if the Democrats were truly serious about reducing the property tax burden they would have started the program immediately, not three years after passage.”
Sean Spiller D
NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
Spiller has indicated he will continue funding for Stay NJ: "Yes. We should support programs such as Stay NJ, ANCHOR, and Senior Freeze to make life more affordable for those retiring in New Jersey. As governor, I will look to streamline these programs.”
Jack Ciattarelli R
FORMER ASSEMBLYMEMBER
Ciattarelli is skeptical of property tax rebate programs from the state: “Trenton Democrats are notorious for taking $10,000 out of your lefthand pocket and then putting $1,000 in your righthand pocket and calling it tax relief. It’s a scam. I would lower taxes and stop taking so much of people’s hard-earned money in the first place.”
Bill Spadea R
CONSERVATIVE RADIO HOST
Spadea would end the Stay NJ program, which he says is “not sustainable and will be a budget buster for future governors if not eliminated.” He proposes eliminating the portion of seniors’ property taxes that go to education, phasing them out over 15 years starting at age 55.
Ras Baraka D
NEWARK MAYOR
Baraka has criticized the program, saying its money could be better used elsewhere: “Stay New Jersey is too cumbersome, it's too much. We need to cut that and make sure we're giving it to people who need it the most and not the wealthy in the state of New Jersey.”
Steven Fulop D
JERSEY CITY MAYOR
Fulop has two plans for Stay NJ:
He would continue the program but lower the income eligibility from $500,000 to $150,000 if the state is able to meet its financial obligations, like the 12 percent surplus requirement. Benefits would be a flat amount on different income levels.
If the state is not able to meet its financial obligations and fund the program, Fulop would set up an alternative program in which property taxes are capped at a percentage of a person’s income.
Steve Sweeney D
FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT
Sweeney would cap the Stay NJ program to people making $250,000 or less and would eliminate taxes on retirement income for seniors making up to that amount.
Josh Gottheimer D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
Gottheimer speaks positively of Stay NJ, but it's unclear whether he would continue the program as-is: “We need to make seniors’ lives more affordable in Jersey to help them stay here and retire here. Stay NJ will provide much-needed tax relief, helping folks afford to remain in their homes as they age.”
Mikie Sherrill D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
Sherrill supports Stay NJ, which she calls “a great program” she would like to fund further: “We need to make sure that our seniors have a pathway to stay here. I would love to see us get to the point where we can fully fund it. There are some limitations as to what we have to fund first to get there, but I'd love to see us getting to that point."
What the candidates say about immigration policy
IMMIGRATION POLICY UNDER MURPHY
Murphy’s most prominent immigration policy is the Immigrant Trust Directive, which limits state and local cops from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Some progressive activists want to go further through an “Immigrant Trust Act” that would codify the directive into state law and expand protections to immigrants involved in the criminal justice system. Murphy has not commented on the bill.
The governor has also signed laws that provide drivers licenses and college financial aid to undocumented immigrants and Medicaid to undocumented children. No Democratic gubernatorial candidates have expressed a desire to roll back any of these policies.
Ras Baraka D
NEWARK MAYOR
Baraka is sprinting to the left on protecting undocumented immigrants in the state. His positions go beyond Murphy’s.
SUPPORTS
Expanding legal assistance to people facing deportation.
Fighting the Trump administration on opening a new ICE detention facility in his city.
Steven Fulop D
JERSEY CITY MAYOR
Fulop supports the Immigrant Trust Act.
Sean Spiller D
NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
Spiller supports the Immigrant Trust Act.
Mikie Sherrill D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
Sherrill is promising to continue Murphy's "sanctuary" state policy, but won't go much further.
She has expressed legal concerns over the Immigrant Trust Act: “I have deep concerns about passing [the Immigrant Trust Act]. … We have the Immigrant Trust Directive, which has withstood courts … opening this back up at this time, I think is quite dangerous. … So I think given that we have the Immigrant Trust Directive on the books right now, which is currently protecting people and has withstood the courts, I actually think that's a strong position that I'd like to see us ensure we're protecting.”
Josh Gottheimer D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
Gottheimer supports New Jersey's current "sanctuary" state policy: “I support the current Jersey Immigrant Trust Directive that protects innocent immigrants and boost trust in law enforcement. But, if you’re a violent criminal and undocumented, you’re not welcome in New Jersey or in our country.”
He voted in support of the GOP-led Laken Riley Act in Congress.
Steve Sweeney D
FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT
Sweeney is breaking from the Democratic field and has said he would allow state and local cops to work with federal immigration officials. That would be a drastic reversal of current policies that he said give people “false hope”: “Under my administration, we would repeal New Jersey’s sanctuary state status, and I would use my discretion as Governor to determine when to cooperate with ICE and other related federal agencies to fairly enforce our immigration laws.”
As Senate President, he supported legislation to allow for drivers licenses and in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants.
Jack Ciattarelli R
FORMER ASSEMBLYMEMBER
Ciattarelli supports working with the Trump administration on immigration enforcement, but has suggested he won't strip all benefits to undocumented immigrants.
SUPPORTS
Ending “sanctuary state” policy, promising to work with Trump administration on deportations and depriving “sanctuary cities” of state funds.
Eliminating state funding for legal assistance to people facing deportation: "It’s absurd that it’s in the budget in the first place."
Suggested he would not roll back in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants. As a member of the Assembly, he voted in support of such assistance.
Jon Bramnick R
STATE SENATOR
Bramnick has been consistently opposed to policies that support undocumented immigrants.
SUPPORTS
Ending “sanctuary state” policy.
Ending driver’s licenses and college aid for undocumented immigrants, which he voted against in the Legislature.
Bill Spadea R
CONSERVATIVE RADIO HOST
Spadea is proposing the most hardline vision for immigration policies in the state, saying of undocumented immigrants: “The only handouts they should get would be a one-way ticket out of New Jersey.”
SUPPORTS
Ending “sanctuary state policy”, pledging “unwavering support” for the Trump administration’s immigration agenda.
Ending state benefits for undocumented immigrants including drivers licenses, elective health care, in-state college tuition and legal representation during deportations.
Using the National Guard to keep migrants out of the state.
Reopening county jails to jail migrants: “Five have closed under Murphy. I’m going to reopen all five.”
What the candidates say about environmental policy
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY UNDER MURPHY
Murphy’s environmental agenda has largely pleased the state’s environmental groups — save for his support for the $11 billion New Jersey Turnpike expansion project — and has been a target for Republicans.
The governor’s most notable environmental priority is to have the state reach 100 percent clean energy by 2035, a goal that has been jeopardized by the collapse of Murphy’s offshore wind goals. He’s also taking a page from California’s playbook, seeking to make all new vehicles sold in the state be zero-emission by 2035.
Murphy also signed into law a landmark environmental justice bill that requires regulators to consider the environmental and health impacts on permit applications. He has not commented on a more recent bill that has been the target of progressive activists, the Climate Superfund Act, which would require some fossil fuel companies to pay for damages over climate change.
Ras Baraka D
NEWARK MAYOR
Baraka wants to build off Murphy’s environmental agenda.
SUPPORTS
Continuing Murphy’s 100 percent clean energy goal by 2035.
Continued investment in offshore wind.
OPPOSES
The Turnpike widening project.
Steven Fulop D
JERSEY CITY MAYOR
Fulop is making a play for environmentalists by building off Murphy’s agenda and is making opposition to the Turnpike widening project a key part of his candidacy. He recently called it a “stupid project.”
SUPPORTS
Keeping in place the governor’s 100 percent clean energy goals: “I think the goals for 2035 and keeping those are very important.”
Reinvesting funds from the Turnpike widening project into “mass transit, particular to get started [with] the Bergen extension of the [Hudson]-Bergen light rail, also the Camden-Cumberland extension of the light rail and then improving the stations.”
Sean Spiller D
NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
Spiller has expressed a left-leaning environmental agenda on the campaign trail and backs Murphy's clean energy goals.
SUPPORTS
Keeping in place Murphy’s 100 percent clean energy by 2035 goal: “I’m supportive of meeting the 2035 goal because … there's a cost to us not doing enough right now.”
UNCLEAR
Did not take a clear position on Turnpike expansion, suggests that he would want to use funds for mass transit: “I would love to see those dollars invested in things like New Jersey Transit, mass transit, to allow us to make the improvements we need, certainly addressing a couple of the safety pieces that need to happen as part of that project for sure.”
Mikie Sherrill D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
Sherrill wants to keep in place Murphy’s marquee 100 percent clean energy goal but has suggested she will roll back his zero emission vehicle requirements. And similar to the governor, she has suggested she will keep in place the Turnpike expansion project.
SUPPORTS
Continuing Murphy’s 100 percent clean energy goal by 2035.
Having people opt-into the state’s zero-emission vehicle requirement by 2035: “I think we need people to opt into this, because with the current plan in place, people can just go to Pennsylvania and buy whichever car they want.”
Suggested she would continue Turnpike widening with caveats: “I think the Turnpike extension is right now moving forward, we do have a need to get goods out of Bayonne, but if we’re doing that, we need to understand how we are not adding carbon to the environment.”
Steve Sweeney D
FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT
The former Senate President supports a more centrist view of environmental policies compared to Murphy — notably saying he would end the goal of moving to completely clean energy by 2035. As Senate President, he was a major backer of offshore wind.
SUPPORTS
Continuing the Turnpike expansion project.
The Climate Superfund Act: “Absolutely — 1000 percent.”
OPPOSES
Murphy’s 2035 clean energy goals: “I believe in clean energy, and I led on making sure New Jersey invested in wind, solar, and nuclear energy because New Jersey needs a cleaner energy future. However, the plan is moving too quickly without being able to meet energy demand. … New Jersey needs to embrace an all-of-the-above energy approach – with wind, solar, nuclear, gas, and hydrogen – to keep utility costs low for our residents.”
Josh Gottheimer D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
It is unclear if Gottheimer will continue Murphy’s environmental initiatives. He has not said whether he would keep in place Murphy’s clean energy goals by 2035: “We need to aim high, but also be realistic about what’s achievable. Utility prices are soaring and it’s unsustainable for Jersey families. We need an all-of-the-above energy approach to keep up with demand. I’ll prioritize more alternative energy, solar, small nuclear, wind, biomass, and additional EV chargers to encourage electric vehicles.”
Jon Bramnick R
STATE SENATOR
Bramnick is largely opposed to Murphy’s environmental agenda. He has, however, said that “climate change is serious and it must be addressed.”
OPPOSES
Murphy’s zero emission vehicle requirements by 2035: “I don't know what's going to happen in 2035. … I think it should be a choice of the consumer with incentives. I don't like to set a date when I don’t know the technology that's going to be available.”
Murphy’s 100 percent clean energy 2035 goals: “I’m not setting any goals. I want to hear from the experts as to can we really do these things and can we continue grow the environment. Balancing these two things is what new jersey wants.”
A moratorium on new fossil fuel projects: “No, absolutely not."
Jack Ciattarelli R
FORMER ASSEMBLYMEMBER
Ciattarelli has railed against Murphy’s environmental agenda in his 2021 and 2025 bids for governor. He said during his 2021 bid that “climate change is real and human activity contributes to it.”
SUPPORTS
Bringing back plastic bags, which are banned under a state law Murphy signed.
OPPOSES
Murphy’s 100 percent clean energy by 2035 goals: “[T]hey are unrealistic and unaffordable, and both he and the Trenton Democrats know it.”
Murphy’s zero emission vehicle goals, which he would eliminate.
Offshore wind farms along the Jersey Shore, which he would prohibit.
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which he would pull New Jersey out of.
Bill Spadea R
CONSERVATIVE RADIO HOST
Spadea would abandon the state’s environmental goals set by Murphy.
SUPPORTS
Continuing the Turnpike expansion project.
Building more nuclear and natural gas plants.
OPPOSES
Murphy’s 100 percent clean energy by 2035 goals.
The Climate Superfund Act.
Offshore wind, which he has called “nonsense.”
Murphy’s electric vehicle requirements, which he would end.
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which he would pull New Jersey out of.
The law banning plastic bags, which he would try to suspend by executive order.
The state’s climate change curriculum, which he calls “propaganda garbage.”
What the candidates say about transportation funding
TRANSPORTATION FUNDING UNDER MURPHY
Murphy's solution to fund NJ Transit is to tax large businesses. He signed into law a new tax dubbed the Corporate Transit Fee, which requires corporations with over $10 million in profits to pay an extra 2.5 percent tax that goes to NJ Transit.
Ras Baraka D
NEWARK MAYOR
Baraka wants to tax even more businesses to fund transit, saying he would expand the Corporate Transit Fee to corporations with profits of $1 million or more and extend the tax when it is set to expire.
Steven Fulop D
JERSEY CITY MAYOR
Fulop wants to make permanent the Corporate Transit Fee, which is currently set to sunset in 2029.
Sean Spiller D
NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
Spiller has committed to extending the Corporate Transit Fee after it expires, although he hasn't said for how long.
Mikie Sherrill D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
Sherrill supports the Corporate Transit Fee, but is noncommittal on expanding it: “I would like to see other options that we have on the table if there's another way. I'm very invested in fixing the transit system so certainly I'm supporting it right now.”
She also wants to monetize advertising for NJ Transit.
Steve Sweeney D
FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT
Sweeney has stated support for the Corporate Transit Fee, saying he is “thrilled” about it — but that it must be constitutionally dedicated to ensure it goes to transit. He also wants NJ Transit to be in strong fiscal shape by 2028 so it doesn't need to rely on business taxes for funding.
Josh Gottheimer D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
Gottheimer has not said much on the Corporate Transit Fee, but wants Amtrak to help fix NJ Transit: “If trains are hours late or canceled, riders should get their money back. I will hold up the $200 million a year that we pay Amtrak, which owns rails N.J. Transit uses, until it fixes the switches and catenary cables. I will also add new and more N.J. Transit train cars, buses, drivers, and routes to improve transit, and more ferry service.”
Jon Bramnick R
STATE SENATOR
Bramnick voted against the Corporate Transit Fee in the Legislature and has opposed it on the campaign trail: “We're already the worst in the nation in treating businesses properly and trying to encourage businesses to come here. So that's off the table.”
He says he would cut state spending — specifically items for specific legislative districts — to fund NJ Transit.
Jack Ciattarelli R
FORMER ASSEMBLYMEMBER
Ciattarelli wants to lower business taxes and has railed against the Corporate Transit Fee: “It’s just another attempt by Trenton Democrats to demonize and exploit businesses in the state, which is why so many are leaving. NJ Transit is bloated and broken. I have plans to overhaul public transportation and make it accountable and affordable to riders again.”
Bill Spadea R
CONSERVATIVE RADIO HOST
The former radio host supports repealing Murphy's tax on big businesses to pay for transit, he told POLITICO. He’d also like to revamp the system: “We need to monetize NJ Transit’s existing assets and bring in professionals who will increase efficiency. No more late night bus routes with 1 person or 0 people on board.”
What the candidates say about LGBTQ rights
LGBTQ RIGHTS UNDER MURPHY
The governor has been viewed as a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ community. He signed an executive order protecting gender-affirming care and his office has described New Jersey as a “safe haven for gender-affirming health care.”
His administration has also opposed efforts from local school boards to “out” LGBTQ children to their parents and signed into law curriculum requirements that require schools teach students about the contributions of the LGBTQ community.
Ras Baraka D
NEWARK MAYOR
Baraka would build on Murphy's agenda supporting LGBTQ rights: “We have to make sure we strengthen the laws in the state to make sure we protect transgender students and LGBTQ students, period. In schools, in public places, in sports, as well.”
SUPPORTS
A new law prohibiting schools “outing” children to their parents.
Keeping in place the state’s LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum.
Steven Fulop D
JERSEY CITY MAYOR
Fulop supports Murphy’s policies on LGBTQ rights and has applauded the governor's record on the issue.
SUPPORTS
Strengthening transgender students’ inclusion in athletics, but says it is a “make-believe, manufactured issue from the Republicans.”
“I fully support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in K-12 education. Every student deserves to feel seen, valued and supported in their learning environment.”
OPPOSES
Policies that out LGBTQ children to their parents: “We also need to make sure that the kids have a place where they can actually grow and they don’t feel that suicide is the only way or depression is the only way. I'm concerned that policies that out kids prematurely will only contribute to that.”
Mikie Sherrill D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
Sherrill supports Murphy’s policies on LGBTQ rights.
SUPPORTS
Allowing transgender children participating in the sports of their gender identity: “I think all kids should have access to participating in sports. And that's why I would be against … any sort of bans, universal bans, that we’re seeing suggested and coming out of different parts of our state.”
OPPOSES
Policies outing students: “Going to a trusted adult like a teacher is something we should encourage for children and I think keeping that privacy is really important or they simply won't do it.”
Sean Spiller D
NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
Spiller has aligned himself with Murphy’s agenda on LGBTQ rights.
SUPPORTS
Allowing transgender children to participate in the sports of their gender identity: “We need to make sure that every student, every person has the right to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity.”
Keeping in place the state’s LGBTQ-inclusive curriclum.
Codifying Murphy’s pro-LGBTQ executive orders.
OPPOSES
Policies that out LGBTQ children to their parents: “It's completely unacceptable, certainly not an appropriate policy. Never would be something part of my administration.”
Josh Gottheimer D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
Gottheimer has generally stated support for the LGBTQ community but has been vague on some issues.
Unclear on transgender athletes participating in sports on their gender identity: “My top priority as a parent is to make sure that we protect our kids’ physical and mental wellbeing. I would look to local experts, sports leagues, school officials, and parents to make decisions like these that are best for our kids.”
“We need to protect our children and ensure that all of our LGBTQ+ kids have the support they need in the classroom and frankly outside the classroom too.”
“We see too many people right now playing politics with the issues that matter to the LGBTQ+ community. They want to use it as a political weapon.”
Steve Sweeney D
FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT
Sweeney says he supports LGBTQ rights but has equivocated on some issues.
Says he “absolutely” supports transgender rights but his position is unclear on transgender youth in sports: “I think it's absolutely important that we make sure that they get health care and we support their rights, but then we have to have a conversation when my daughter's rights are infringed on.”
Unclear position on allowing school districts to “out” LGBTQ children to parents: “Protecting LGBTQ+ kids from harassment and bullying is a top priority, and parents should always be aware of what is going on with their kids at school.”
Supports keeping in place the state’s LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum, saying it “isn't just about diversity; it helps us understand the world better.”
Jon Bramnick R
STATE SENATOR
Bramnick would take an opposite approach to some key LGBTQ issues compared to Murphy.
SUPPORTS
School districts notifying parents if their child shows signs of changing gender identity, with exceptions: “If there doesn't appear to be any serious threat I think parents should be part of that information like any other information with school.”
OPPOSES
Allowing transgender athletes to participate in sports matching their gender identity: “Whoever my attorney general is, there will not be trans women playing in women's sports.”
Has also suggested changing laws around LGBTQ rights would not be a priority: “I think New Jersey is a place where there is a respect for the community. I don't have any plans to do anything new. I also don't have any plans to lead any efforts to change any of the rules at this point.”
Jack Ciattarelli R
FORMER ASSEMBLYMEMBER
Ciattarelli would take an opposite approach to some key LGBTQ issues compared to Murphy.
SUPPORTS
Separating students by biological sex, not gender identity, for activities like sports and sex ed: “We certainly want an inclusive environment. We also want a very, very fair environment. I don’t think it's fair, as an example, for biological males to be playing in female sports.”
School districts notifying parents if a child shows signs of changing gender identity.
Bill Spadea R
CONSERVATIVE RADIO HOST
Spadea regularly rails against transgender rights on the campaign trail. He has said “There is no such thing as a trans kid.”
SUPPORTS
Banning transgender women from participating in sports aligned with their gender identity.
“Gender dysphoria will be addressed as a mental illness.”
Dividing people by biological sex, not gender identity: “There will be no men in women's spaces, period, when I'm governor. And that involved public restrooms. That involves prisons. That involved schools. Hospitals. Sports teams. Wherever there is a need to make sure men have a male space and women have a female space, that will be enforced vigorously to the letter of the law.”
School districts notifying parents if their child shows signs of changing gender identity, with exceptions if a child has abusive parents.
What the candidates say about the state Supreme Court
THE STATE SUPREME COURT UNDER MURPHY
The governor has honored the traditional partisan balance of the state Supreme Court.
Jon Bramnick R
STATE SENATOR
"There are Republican seats and Democratic seats. You don't change that."
Mikie Sherrill D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
“I would not undo the historic balance between Republicans and Democrats. I come from a place that has gotten so partisan that it is almost impossible at different times to reach across the aisle and come to deals."
Steve Sweeney D
FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT
“We don't want to pack courts. We want an independent court. Our courts are the best in the nation – unanimous decisions, Republicans and Democrats. More times than not, because they work together.”
Jack Ciattarelli R
FORMER ASSEMBLYMEMBER
“I won’t commit to partisan balance on the State Supreme Court either. We need more common sense conservative jurists who won’t legislate from the bench."
Bill Spadea R
CONSERVATIVE RADIO HOST
"We need a conservative court. It's possible there are going to be registered Democrats that are more conservative than some registered Republicans. We're not going to hold that against them."
Ras Baraka D
NEWARK MAYOR
"I would agree with Mayor Fulop" in not sticking with partisan balance on the court.
Steven Fulop D
JERSEY CITY MAYOR
"I would not just appoint a Republican because the sake of historical fact, it's been a Republican”
Josh Gottheimer D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
Position unclear
Sean Spiller D
NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
“If we’re using the United States Supreme Court as our model for what we want to see and what we want to go to, that's problematic. Anybody I'm talking about appointing, it's a conversation, not necessarily the letter after your name.”
What the candidates say about CCRBs
CCRBS UNDER MURPHY
The governor supports giving the boards subpoena power to investigate police but has not proactively pushed the Legislature on it. His former attorney general fought establishing CCRB’s with subpoena power in Newark.
Ras Baraka D
NEWARK MAYOR
Baraka supports the creation of CCRBs with subpoena power and tried to set one up in Newark but wasn’t allowed to by the state Supreme Court.
Steven Fulop D
JERSEY CITY MAYOR
Has said he supports having CCRBs with subpoena power.
Sean Spiller D
NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
Has said he would support CCRBs with subpoena power.
Jon Bramnick R
STATE SENATOR
“I don't want a civilian review of my law practice and I don't want a civilian reviewing what's happening to you on the street … I'll call that a Dracula bill — that will never see the light of day when Jon Bramnick is governor.”
Jack Ciattarelli R
FORMER ASSEMBLYMEMBER
Opposes civilian review boards with subpoena powers.
Bill Spadea R
CONSERVATIVE RADIO HOST
“That is a disaster. There is no reason for that. … that would be vetoed out of the gate.”
Josh Gottheimer D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
“Before anyone talked about these changes, we’ve had a process for when there's a problem. We should go back to the process for when there's a problem. I don't know why we would suddenly change that process.”
Mikie Sherrill D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
“I would not support that. We have worked with civilian boards and I support civilian boards but not up to the level of subpoena power.”
Steve Sweeney D
FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT
“I would never sign that bill.”
What the candidates say about school vouchers
SCHOOL VOUCHERS UNDER MURPHY
The governor, a strong ally of teacher’s unions, is not a supporter of school vouchers: “I'm not a voucher guy. I'm not a ‘take the money that is in the public system and take it out of the system,’ as places like Florida and others do, and put it into the private side of the house.”
Ras Baraka D
NEWARK MAYOR
“We cannot use our dollars to send to private school.”
Steven Fulop D
JERSEY CITY MAYOR
"I do not support private school vouchers or any program that diverts taxpayer dollars away from public education. Public money belongs in public schools. Our focus must be on strengthening public education by investing in teachers, expanding early childhood education, and ensuring every school has the resources needed to help students succeed."
Josh Gottheimer D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
Gottheimer's position was initially unclear, but he later said he's against vouchers:
“I'm totally against vouchers. I support public schools, but I also like what our state has done over the years with some of our parochial schools to make sure they get bussing, they get good security and technology, and that we invest in our kids.”
Mikie Sherrill D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
“I have not been supportive of vouchers for private schools, no. I've been opposed to vouchers.”
Sean Spiller D
NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
Jon Bramnick R
STATE SENATOR
“I've always … supported the concept of vouchers. It makes schools more competitive. It makes public schools actually work harder. We should have a voucher program where somebody wants to go to parochial school or private school.”
Jack Ciattarelli R
FORMER ASSEMBLYMEMBER
“I believe in school choice, I support vouchers, I support charter schools. I also support homeschooling.
Bill Spadea R
CONSERVATIVE RADIO HOST
“Yes, but not traditional vouchers. We need education savings accounts that allow for the money to follow the student to public, charter, private or even homeschools.”
Steve Sweeney D
FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT
“I would consider exploring vouchers where it makes sense, and so long as it does not compromise on the quality of public education. I would not want to outright prohibit a reasonable option for someone to decide what is best for their children. Any consideration for an expansion of vouchers would have an income cap.”
What the candidates say about New Jersey's pension system
NEW JERSEY'S PENSION SYSTEM UNDER MURPHY
The governor is pitching a full pension payment of more than $7 billion for the next fiscal year and has prioritized the payments during budget season.
Jon Bramnick R
STATE SENATOR
Jack Ciattarelli R
FORMER ASSEMBLYMEMBER
Would fully fund pension system.
Ras Baraka D
NEWARK MAYOR
Steven Fulop D
JERSEY CITY MAYOR
Josh Gottheimer D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
Mikie Sherrill D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
Sean Spiller D
NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
Steve Sweeney D
FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT
Would fully fund the pension.
Bill Spadea R
CONSERVATIVE RADIO HOST
Spadea does not support fully funding the pension system: “No, it absolutely needs to be reconsidered. It's a $7 billion drain. … We need to talk about 403(b) plans.”
What the candidates say about voting policy
VOTING POLICY UNDER MURPHY
Murphy has overseen significant expansions to voting rights and access in New Jersey, including enacting automatic voter registration for people who interact with the state's motor vehicle agencies, online voter registration and in-person early voting. He’s expanded early in-person voting and signed legislation allowing 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they turn 18 by the general election and restoring voting rights to people serving a probation sentence after a criminal conviction.
During his second term, Murphy has prioritized two voting changes: allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections and implementing same-day voter registration. But those two proposals have not been met with warm reception from the state’s Democratically controlled Legislature.
Ras Baraka D
NEWARK MAYOR
Baraka wants to open voter rights in the state beyond what Murphy has proposed.
SUPPORTS
Allowing 16-and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections
Giving voting rights to incarcerated people
OPEN TO
Baraka said in a statement to POLITICO that he could support ranked-choice voting: “I support any measure that expands democracy and increases voter participation. If ranked-choice voting demonstrates those outcomes, I would support it.”
Steven Fulop D
JERSEY CITY MAYOR
Fulop is the most vocal proponent of ranked-choice voting in the state and supports Murphy's voting rights initiatives that haven't been finished yet.
SUPPORTS
Same-day voter registration.
Allowing 16-and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections
Universal mail-in voting, where all registered voters get a mail ballot: “I have no problem with that.”
Josh Gottheimer D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
Gottheimer has called for an expansion of voting rights in the state beyond finishing Murphy’s agenda.
SUPPORTS
Same-day voter registration, per a statement to POLITICO.
Allowing 16-and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections.
Expanding early in-person voting.
Universal mail-in voting, where all registered voters get a mail ballot.
Expanding automatic voter registration to people signing up for Medicaid, unemployment or SNAP
Mikie Sherrill D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
Sherrill supports Murphy's unfinished agenda on voting rights.
SUPPORTS
Allowing 16-and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections.
Sean Spiller D
NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
Spiller supports Murphy's unfinished agenda on voting rights.
SUPPORTS
Same-day voter registration.
Allowing 16-and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections.
Steve Sweeney D
FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT
Sweeney supports Murphy's unfinished agenda on voting rights.
SUPPORTS
Allowing 16-and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections: “I think it’s a good way to get students civically-engaged in a way that gives them a say in the education they receive.”
Same-day voter registration: “So long as it is done responsibly and maintains the integrity of our democratic process, providing more opportunities for people to vote is a good thing for our democracy.”
OPPOSES
Ranked-choice voting: “opens the door to spoiler candidates and leaves the process ripe for manipulation.”
Bill Spadea R
CONSERVATIVE RADIO HOST
Spadea has amplified voter fraud conspiracy theories, including about New Jersey, including about voting machines. He focuses more on tightening election rules to increase security than on expanding access.
SUPPORTS
Same-day voter registration if it's done with voter ID: “I would consider it, if paired with a strict Voter ID law.”
A “re-registration” for voters similar to driver’s licenses: “You ought to have to go back and re-register to vote so we can make sure that you are a legal voter.”
OPPOSES
Allowing 16-and 17-year-olds voting in school boards, per a statement to POLITICO.
Ranked-choice voting, per a statement to POLITICO.
Jack Ciattarelli R
FORMER ASSEMBLYMEMBER
Ciattarelli opposes Murphy's key parts of Murphy's priorities on voting rights and wants to take the state in a conservative direction. He has been a consistent proponent of voter ID requirements.
SUPPORTS
Voter ID requirements to vote.
Voters having to “re-register” to vote if inactive after a certain period of time.
Expanding “motor voter” laws to people applying for hunting, construction and gun permits.
OPPOSES
Same-day voter registration and allowing 16-and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections and ranked-choice voting, as per statements to POLITICO.
Jon Bramnick R
STATE SENATOR
Bramnick has largely stayed quiet on questions of voting rights and access. In the Senate, he co-sponsored a bill last year that would allow for same-day voter registration.
What the candidates say about full-service gas
FULL-SERVICE GAS UNDER MURPHY
Murphy has not sought to move the state to self-service gas stations: “The way gasoline is delivered in this state is part of our fabric … So it's not on my list.”
Jack Ciattarelli R
FORMER ASSEMBLYMEMBER
Said "no" when asked whether he supports self-serve gas.
Ras Baraka D
NEWARK MAYOR
Does not support self-service gas.
Steven Fulop D
JERSEY CITY MAYOR
“I think it's perfectly fine the way it’s situated today.”
Sean Spiller D
NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
"It's perfect the way it is right now."
Steve Sweeney D
FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT
Said "absolutely not" when asked whether he supports self-serve gas.
Josh Gottheimer D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
“Full-service gas is beloved by many in New Jersey, and I believe it should always remain an option for drivers.”
Mikie Sherrill D
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
Position unclear
Jon Bramnick R
STATE SENATOR
Recently introduced legislation that would have gas stations with four or more pumps offer both self-service and full-service gas options.
Bill Spadea R
CONSERVATIVE RADIO HOST
Supports self-serve as an option: “Yes. For those who want to offer consumer choice, absolutely [would allow it]."