Gubernatorial Public Financing Program FAQs
Is it true that New Jersey provides public funds for candidates for governor?
Yes. New Jersey was the first state in the nation to provide public funds to candidates for governor. The Gubernatorial Public Financing Program was enacted in 1974 as an amendment to the New Jersey Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting Act. It has provided public matching funds to qualifying general election candidates starting with the 1977 election. In 1980, the program was extended to gubernatorial primary elections.
What is the purpose of the program?
One purpose is to limit the overall amount of funds spent on gubernatorial elections while still providing enough money to run a competitive campaign.
Another intent is to make candidates less dependent on contributions from private sources that may want favors after the election. The program limits the amount private donors can give each election.
“By providing public financing of gubernatorial election campaigns, we will remove from the office of the Governor the evil of the large, private contributions,’’ said Governor Brendan Byrne on May 6, 1974, the day he signed the bill into law.
What does it take to qualify?
In the 2025 election, candidates must raise at least $580,000 from private contributors to receive public dollars. Donors can give up to $5,800 to both the primary and general elections.
Candidates are eligible for up to $2 for every $1 they raise from private sources. This ensures that most of their funds will come from the public, not special interests. Qualifying candidates in the 2025 primary election will be eligible for up to $5.5 million in public funds. Eligible candidates in the 2025 general election can receive up to $12.5 million in public funds.
Isn’t that a lot of money?
Viewed in isolation, perhaps. But when measured against the state’s $54.3 billion budget, the cost seems more reasonable.
In the most recent election in 2021, the $29.7 million in public funds allotted for the gubernatorial election worked out to about $8.90 per taxpayer. Since its inception, 80 candidates have received $166 million in public matching funds. That amounts to $5.73 per vote cast in those elections.
How have political parties fared under the program?
Since it began, three Republicans participating in the program have won the office of Governor six times . Four Democratic beneficiaries have captured the office five times. In the 2005 election, a Democratic candidate who self-financed his campaign won the post.
Thirty-eight Republican candidates have received $92 million, 38 Democrats have obtained $72.3 million and three independents have been awarded $2.1 million through the program.
Is there anything I can do to directly support this program?
Yes. Taxpayers each year can designate $1 of their state income taxes toward it. As you prepare to file your state income tax returns, check “Yes” on the Gubernatorial Elections Fund checkoff box. Earmarking $1 does not increase a person’s tax payment or reduce their refund.
Where can I find out more about the program?