New Jersey Gubernatorial Race: Sherrill and Ciattarelli Near Spending Cap With Record Matching Funds
The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) has recently distributed over $1.6 million in public matching funds to the two main gubernatorial candidates, Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli. This brings the total matching funds received by both candidates closer to the $18.5 million spending cap for the general election.
In the latest round of disbursements, ELEC gave Mikie Sherrill $801,619, bringing her total to about $10.5 million, or 84% of the cap. Jack Ciattarelli received $852,034, raising his total to around $9.6 million, or 77% of the cap. This match system provides a $2-for-$1 match for every dollar raised by the candidates, up to a maximum of $12.5 million.
To qualify for the full matching funds, candidates must raise a significant amount. Jack Ciattarelli successfully raised the required $6.4 million, while Mikie Sherrill's fundraising efforts are yet to reach this threshold. They are the only candidates to qualify for matching funds in the general election. A third-party candidate would have needed to raise $580,000 by September 2 to qualify.
As the election nears, more than 138,000 New Jerseyans have already cast their ballots via mail-in voting. ELEC has distributed a record-setting sum of over $37.5 million in matching funds during the primary election, indicating a high level of engagement and interest in the gubernatorial race. With the latest distribution, both Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli are well-funded as they make their final push for votes.
