Republican Jack Ciattarelli has raised $6.4 million, becoming the first gubernatorial candidate to qualify for the full amount of matching funds: $12.5 million.
The amount includes $1 million raised since the first gubernatorial debate with Democrat Mikie Sherrill on September 21.
New Jersey’s Gubernatorial Public Financing Program allows candidates to receive $2 for every $1 raised over a $185,000 deductible. That limits candidates to a spending cap of $18.5 million, not including super PACs and independent expenditures on their behalf.
“Our momentum continues to grow,” Ciattarelli stated. “Thanks to an outpouring of support from residents in all 21 counties, with donations big and small, I am proud to be the first candidate to reach the maximum contribution requirements. We are now in the strongest possible position to get our message out and win in November.”
Sherrill has received $9.73 million in public funds, 78% of the full match. The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission has sent $8.78 million to Ciattarelli, 70% of his full amount.
Four years ago, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy received 100% of matching funds on October 21; Ciattarelli did not reach his full match until the final day of the general election campaign.
