Latest news with #NewJerseyGovernor
CBS News
3 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
President Trump's "big, beautiful" budget bill is impacting the N.J. governor's race. Here's how.
How candidates for N.J. governor are reacting to the so-called "big, beautiful" budget bill How candidates for N.J. governor are reacting to the so-called "big, beautiful" budget bill How candidates for N.J. governor are reacting to the so-called "big, beautiful" budget bill The Republican and Democratic primaries in the race for New Jersey governor are next week. There are 11 candidates in the race, including six Democrats and five Republicans. The attention this week has been on President Trump's sweeping budget bill. The feud between billionaire Elon Musk and Mr. Trump over what he calls "one big, beautiful bill" is taking social media by storm. How the candidates are reacting The assumption is the top three Republican candidates, including Trump-endorsed Jack Ciattarelli, Bill Spadea and Jon Bramnick all support the spending plan, but Bramnick told CBS News New York he's against it because it'll knock thousands of people in New Jersey off Medicaid. "If you are Republican, you are looking for the endorsement of Donald Trump, and the argument on the Republican side is who is more loyal to Donald trump," political analyst Peter Woolley of Farleigh Dickinson University said. As for Democrats, Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Rep. Josh Gottheimer voted against the spending bill, and all the other candidates have spoken out on it. "Who will be best to fight against Donald Trump, and for most voters, they don't have a clear answer to that," Woolley said. The budget plan and the issues Many voters told CBS News New York they have concerns over the budget plan. "Ultimately, I think it's too much money for my grandchildren that I don't even have yet," Westfield resident Donna Contreras-Aguirre said. Some say it won't move the needle for them when it comes to the primary elections, since they've already made up their minds. "Anything that Trump and most Republicans do is a huge no," Westfield resident Karen Perry said. Both Republicans and Democrats told CBS News New York the budget bill will be a factor in the general election, where independents usually determine elections. Republicans say issues like raising the SALT cap, fighting crime, and border security resonate with independents, but Democrats say knocking millions off Medicaid intentionally, including those who are disabled, affects everyone. The key, Woolley, says, is getting voters to the polls on primary day, when turnout is historically low. "All those candidates are very well financed. They are working very hard to get everyone out to vote," Woolley said. The bottom line is it's an historic election with lots of candidates spending more money than ever.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New Jersey Democrats vow to fight Trump in final gubernatorial debate
The top Democratic candidates running for governor of New Jersey faced off in their final debate Sunday night before next month's primary, vowing to take on President Donald Trump and laying out why they are best positioned to win in November. Five of the six Democratic contenders — Reps. Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney — met Sunday night in a debate hosted by On New Jersey, the New Jersey Globe and Rider University. A sixth candidate, Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, did not meet the fundraising threshold to take part. The candidates sparred for over 2½ hours over a variety of state-specific issues, from transit and education funding to taxes and state budgets. But they were united in resolving to take on Trump. New Jersey is one of two states, along with Virginia, with governor's races this year, which could provide an early look at how voters are responding to Trump's second term. While the Virginia matchup is set, the New Jersey candidates first have to compete in the June 10 primary. There are contested primaries on both sides, but former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli has led the GOP primary field, and he secured Trump's endorsement last week. The Democratic race has been more unpredictable, with a crowded field dividing voters. Asked how schools and universities should navigate threats to federal funding if they do not comply with Trump's executive orders on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives or transgender issues, all five said institutions should resist the administration. Fulop said, "We should absolutely be pushing back,' while Sweeney called Trump 'a criminal.' Gottheimer, referring to Trump as 'this guy,' said, 'The job of the governor is to fight him.' Baraka — who was arrested on trespassing charges at a federal immigration detention facility this month — also said, 'We have to fight back.' He has denied any wrongdoing and argued that the charges were politically motivated. Former Trump lawyer Alina Habba, now the interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey, wrote on X after Baraka was arrested, 'NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.' Sherrill, whom some consider the front-runner in the crowded race, called Trump 'the most corrupt president this nation has ever had' and likened him to a playground bully. 'This is not a federal government you can work with,' she said. Sherrill and Gottheimer faced some criticism, particularly from Sweeney, for not doing enough to combat Trump and Republicans in Washington. 'We need to start winning some fights in Washington,' Sweeney said a few times throughout the debate. The candidates also laid out their paths to victory in November, with the race expected to be competitive. Trump lost New Jersey by 6 percentage points last year, a 10-point improvement on his performance in the 2020 election. Sherrill previewed a potential case against Ciattarelli, saying he 'has promised to DOGE New Jersey' and would not stand up to Trump (Ciattarelli has called for establishing a Department of Government Efficiency at the state level). Both Sherrill and Gottheimer touted their victories in competitive House districts, and Gottheimer stressed his focus on reducing taxes and lowering costs. Baraka pitched himself as the true progressive in the race, adding that progressive groups have endorsed him because 'they know I'm going to fight Donald Trump, not just in words but in action.' Sweeney, meanwhile, said that he would be best equipped to run state government and that other candidates pitching themselves as Trenton outsiders would face a steep learning curve. Fulop said in his opening statement that Ciattarelli 'will be tough to beat,' and he later said a candidate tied to the Democratic establishment, and particularly to Gov. Phil Murphy, would be 'dead on arrival in November.' (Murphy cannot run for re-election because of term limits.) 'It is not going to be only a referendum on Donald Trump because independent voters in the state of New Jersey, a lot of them voted for Donald Trump,' Fulop said, later adding, 'You need to move independent voters, you need to move Republican voters, with a clear vision of what New Jersey looks like.' This article was originally published on
CBS News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
New Jersey governor's race: Meet the 11 Democrats and Republicans running in the primary election
Who are the Democrats running for New Jersey governor? Who are the Democrats running for New Jersey governor? Who are the Democrats running for New Jersey governor? Eleven candidates are running to replace the term-limited Phil Murphy as governor of New Jersey. The Garden State is one of only two gubernatorial races happening in 2025, and the off-year election will be many New Jerseyans' first chance to vote since the contentious 2024 presidential race. The other state electing a governor this year is Virginia. Here are the six Democrats and five Republicans running in the June 10 primary election. The general election is Nov. 4. Democrats Ras Baraka Ras Baraka has served as mayor of Newark, New Jersey's largest city, since winning the election in 2018. He was reelected to the post in 2018 and 2022. Baraka made headlines on May 9 when he was arrested during a protest outside an ICE detention facility in Newark. The Newark mayor is seen as a progressive in the race. In his budget proposal, he says he plans to deconstruct the state budget and "reassemble with equity as our north star." Baraka's budget plan calls for reforming the state's income tax brackets, adding brackets for top earners. On housing, Baraka wants to establish a task force dedicated to creating more affordable housing in the state. He's also outlined a plan to temporarily cap all rent increases across the state to cost-of-living adjustments for two years. Read Baraka's full platform here on his website. READ MORE: N.J. Democrat gubernatorial debate gets heated as contenders clash on taxes, Newark Airport and more Steve Fulop A Marine Reserves veteran who served in Iraq following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Steve Fulop, is now mayor of Jersey City. He won the election in 2013, defeating incumbent Jerramiah Healy. Throughout his campaign, Fulop has touted himself as an anti-establishment figure and highlighted criticisms of former Gov. Chris Christie and former Sen. Bob Menendez. As of May 13, Fulop has rolled out policy proposals in eight areas, from public safety to affordability initiatives. Fulop has pitched adding tax brackets for high earners, specifically those making more than $2 million, $5 million and $10 million. Fulop has also vowed to cancel a multi-billion-dollar turnpike widening project and instead funnel that money toward mass transit in the state. You can read Fulop's full platform on his website. Josh Gottheimer Rep. Josh Gottheimer is a U.S. Congressman representing New Jersey's 5th congressional district since 2017. Gottheimer also worked in the Clinton White House as a speechwriter. The congressman says he's running to be "the lower taxes, lower costs governor," and put the cost of living at the top of his agenda. Under his plan, Gottheimer says he wants to cut property taxes in New Jersey by 14.4%. To do that, he says he would first need to balance the state's budget by cutting costs at the state level, clawing back federal funds, and driving down prescription drug costs in state worker health care coverage. Gottheimer also unveiled his "Stop Trump and Protect our Jersey Values Plan." He vowed to take the president to court over his tariff plan and to protect women's health care and LGBTQ+ rights. You can read Gottheimer's full plan on his website. Mikie Sherrill Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill has represented New Jersey's 11th congressional district since 2019. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former Navy helicopter pilot, Sherrill won a seat in 2018 that was long held by Republican Rodney Frelinghuysen, who did not seek reelection. In an April opinion article, Sherrill called on Democrats to "play hardball, disrupt norms and institutions, and put outcomes over process" to combat President Trump. She also, in a May press release, aimed at fellow Democratic contender Steve Fulop. Like most others in the field, affordability is a top priority for Sherrill. The lawmaker has revealed plans to reduce income taxes by expanding the state's Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. She also wants to close tax loopholes and pass those savings on to middle-class families. Sherrill also unveiled plans to require price transparency in health care prices, which she says will "drive prices down through increased competition." You can read Sherrill's full plan here on her website. Sean Spiller Sean Spiller, the president of the powerful New Jersey Education Association, is a former public school teacher and the former mayor of Montclair. Education looms large for the union leader, who said "no candidate for governor cares more deeply or personally about education than I do." Part of his plan includes joining with education institutions to create a pipeline of green-energy jobs. On housing, Spiller says he wants to build more than 200,000 homes that the state needs to reduce its shortage, which would help lower costs. He also wants to limit corporations buying properties, which he says leads to rising rent and home prices. You can read Spiller's full plan on his website. Steve Sweeney New Jersey's longest-tenured Senate president is looking to get back to Trenton. Sweeney, who lost his state Senate seat in 2021, is the lone Democrat in the primary field to hail from South Jersey. Sweeney has targeted his message toward New Jersey workers, playing up his time as a union ironworker. First, under his list of issues is "fighting for New Jersey workers." Under his plan, Sweeney says he would ask voters to approve billions of dollars in bond funding for public works projects to upgrade the state's water, sewer and energy infrastructure. He says that will also help create jobs. The former senator says he will cut housing costs by slashing red tape and pledges "NO TAX INCREASES" under his administration. You can read Sweeney's full plan on his website. Republicans Justin Barbera Justin Barbera is a Burlington County contractor and business owner. He has described himself on his Facebook page as a "MAGA Republican" guided by "God/Family/Country." CBS News Philadelphia could not find a dedicated campaign page for Barbera, but the Audubon business owner has posted some of his platform on his Facebook page. Barbera calls himself a "true Republican" and lists his top priority as cutting taxes for seniors, veterans and the disabled. He has also called for "back to basics" education and says he supports a "NJ-Gov efficiency task force." You can learn more about Barbera on his Facebook page. READ MORE: Newark Airport, NJ Transit issues discussed at New Jersey Republican gubernatorial debate Jon Bramnick Jon Bramnick has been a New Jersey state lawmaker for more than 20 years. He currently represents New Jersey's 21st district in the state Senate, and he served in the General Assembly from 2003 to 2022. Bramnick is also a lawyer and a former Plainfield city councilmember. The state senator, like many others in the race, has put affordability front and center in his platform. He says he wants to simplify the state's income tax brackets and adjust them for inflation. He also says he wants to bring property tax relief. Bramnick has also called for a "smaller, more efficient" state government. Under the plan, he would see all state employees undergo customer service training and create a citizen-led Government Efficiency Panel to eliminate wasteful spending and unnecessary programs. You can read Bramnick's full plan on his website. Jack Ciattarelli Jack Ciattarelli is making his third bid for the governor's seat. The former state assemblyman finished second in the 2017 Republican primary before winning his party's nomination in 2021. In that race, Ciattarelli came within 3.5% of Murphy, the incumbent Democrat at the time. Ciattarelli received the endorsement of Mr. Trump on May 12. In a Truth Social post, Mr. Trump said Ciattarelli will "work closely with me and the Trump Administration to advance our America First Agenda." Ciattarelli's platform includes a plan to cap property taxes at a percentage of assessed home value. He also wants to cut state spending by 30% and has vowed to repeal the state's sanctuary policy. You can read Ciattarelli's full plan on his website. Mario Kranjac Mario Kranjac is a lawyer and the former mayor of Englewood Cliffs in North Jersey. On his campaign site, Kranjac describes himself as a "political outsider" and an "unapologetic supporter of President Trump." He says he plans to bring reform to Trenton. Part of Kranjac's plan centers on cutting property taxes, which he's called his top priority. He says he would mandate local property taxes be cut by 2% each year of his four-year term. Kranjac has also put out a call to the public to submit information about waste, fraud and abuse in the state government. He says the info will be used to help create a New Jersey Department of Government Efficiency, modeled after the Trump administration's plan. You can read Kranjac's full plan on his website. Bill Spadea Bill Spadea is a longtime radio host in New Jersey. He led a morning drive talk show on 101.5 FM before stepping aside in late January as he ran for governor. Spadea calls himself an outsider "that Democrats and establishment Republicans are afraid of." He has been a staunch supporter of Mr. Trump but took issue with his endorsement of rival Ciattarelli. In an X post, Spadea said Mr. Trump "endorsed a poll not a plan." Spadea has vowed to reverse policies related to sanctuary designations in the state and work with federal law enforcement on immigration. He has also called for cutting waste in state government and lowering taxes for residents and businesses in New Jersey. You can read Spadea's full plan on his website.
Fox News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Trump endorses Jack Ciattarelli for New Jersey governor: 'A winner'
President Donald Trump endorsed his former critic Jack Ciattarelli for governor of New Jersey on Monday. "Jack Ciattarelli is a terrific America First Candidate running to be the next Governor of a State that I love, NEW JERSEY!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. Trump said Ciattarelli has gone "ALL IN" and that, if elected, he would work closely with the Trump administration to grow the economy, cut taxes and regulations, help secure the border, stop migrant crime, protect veterans, advance American energy and more. "Also, Jack is the Republican Candidate who is best positioned to STAND TALL against the Radical Left Democrats and, most importantly, ensure a Big Victory in this Very Important Gubernatorial Election, an Election that is being closely watched by the entire World because, we are ending WOKE, and all of the other NONSENSE that goes along with it, AND NOBODY WANTS TO SEE IT COME BACK!," Trump continued in his endorsement. Ciattarelli responded to the endorsement on X, saying he was "truly humbled and honored to receive President Trump's very strong endorsement today. It's time to unite our party, win big in November, and make New Jersey affordable and safe again." Ciattarelli finished his post by saying "When I am Governor, we will." Trump and Ciattarelli appear to be turning a new leaf. Ciattarelli was once a harsh Trump critic, going so far as to call Trump a "charlatan" and saying he was "not fit to be President of the United States" back in 2015. Ciattarelli seems to have changed his stance on Trump since those comments and was even seen at Trump's Wildwood, New Jersey, rally in 2020 shaking hands and taking photos with event-goers. Ciattarelli appeared to gain popularity, and in 2021 came within three points of defeating Democratic incumbent Governor Phil Murphy. Now, he will face Bill Spadea, a conservative radio host, and State Senator Jon Bramnick in the June 10 Republican primary. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Spadea reacted to Trump's endorsement of Ciattarelli. "Donald Trump's endorsement comes after a years long effort by Jack to lie about his own record," Spadea said in part. "My resolve to fight for the people of New Jersey has never been greater. I intend to continue fighting for the America First agenda because that is what's best for the state and our nation." The New Jersey Democratic Governors Association (DGA) also blasted the endorsement. "This endorsement just confirms what we already knew: Jack Ciattarelli would put Donald Trump before New Jersey," DGA Communications Director Sam Newton said in a statement. " As Governor, Ciattarelli would bring Trump's agenda of higher costs and chaos to Trenton – instead of fighting to protect New Jersey's freedoms and working to make life more affordable."
Free Malaysia Today
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
New Jersey mayor arrested at US immigration detention centre
Newark mayor Ras Baraka is running for the Democratic nomination as New Jersey's governor. (AP pic) NEW JERSEY : The mayor of Newark, New Jersey, a Democrat who is running for governor, was arrested yesterday at a privately run federal immigration detention centre while three US lawmakers were on site for an unannounced inspection, officials said. Mayor Ras Baraka was taken into custody by US immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) agents in a scuffle at the gate to the ICE facility in Newark during the visit by three members of New Jersey's congressional delegation, according to a spokesman for one of them, US representative Bonnie Watson Coleman. The spokesman, Ned Cooper, told Reuters that Coleman and her two fellow Democratic colleagues, Representatives LaMonica McIver and Robert Menendez Jr, were also 'shoved around a bit' in the fracas, but no one was believed to have been hurt. Alina Habba, a former lawyer to President Donald Trump serving as acting US attorney, said on the social media outlet X that Baraka 'committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings' to leave the ICE facility, known as Delaney Hall. A spokesman for Baraka did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It was not immediately clear if he was facing charges over the incident. Cooper said the mayor was taken away to another ICE facility in Newark where he was being held. A spokesman for the US department of homeland security, the parent agency of ICE, said the three lawmakers were with a group of demonstrators who tried to force their way into the facility when a bus of detainees arrived. 'These members of congress storming into a detention facility goes beyond bizarre political stunt and puts the safety of our law enforcement agents and the detainees at risk,' the spokesman said in a statement. Cooper said Coleman, McIver and Menendez paid an unannounced visit to the detention centre 'exercising their oversight roles as members of congress', and that ICE was obligated to grant them admission. Allegations that the three lawmakers stormed the facility are 'factually not true', Cooper said, adding that Baraka remained outside the fence around the grounds to the facility, where he 'has been continually showing up' in recent days. Cooper said the lawmakers were not part of or coordinated with a separate protest that was taking place at the facility, and had not coordinated their visit with the mayor. According to Cooper's account of the incident, the lawmakers were escorted through the gate but were initially denied entry to the detention centre itself. After speaking with guards for several minutes they noticed a crowd converging around the mayor and a physical altercation ensued that led to Baraka's arrest. The members of congress ultimately were admitted to the building and left about three hours after their arrival, Cooper said. McIver, in a video posted on social media, said Baraka 'did nothing wrong', calling the incident 'unacceptable'. Baraka is running for the Democratic nomination as New Jersey's governor in a competitive field. The primary is scheduled for next month. Immigrant rights advocates allege that Delaney Hall, a 1,000-person detention centre operated by the private prison company GEO Group, lacked proper city permits and opened despite opposition from the community and elected officials. DHS denied that the facility lacked proper permits and highlighted cases of alleged gang members and criminals being held there. GEO Group did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
