Ras Baraka’s Arrest Highlights $30 Million Spending in New Jersey Democratic Governor Primary Led by Fulop and Spiller PAC

The New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial primary features six candidates, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, whose recent arrest has brought him increased attention among progressive voters. The race has seen intense debate over issues such as taxes and Newark Airport. Campaign finance reports reveal substantial spending, with approximately $30 million spent collectively by the six campaigns so far. Steven Fulop and Josh Gottheimer have contributed the majority of this amount, with Fulop spending $7.2 million on television ads from January through early May, primarily targeting the expensive New York City and Philadelphia media markets.

Mikie Sherrill donated $50,000 to the Essex County Democratic Committee in April and has utilized 46% of her $8.7 million public financing spending limit. Fulop and Gottheimer have reached 92% and 80% of their spending caps, respectively. Outside spending is projected to push total expenditures beyond $100 million, with the highest external spending coming from the "Working New Jersey" PAC, linked to the New Jersey Education Association, led by candidate Sean Spiller. Spiller is the only candidate not participating in public financing.