New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial election is shaping up to be one of the least transparent in recent memory, thanks to a new campaign finance law that allows super PACs to keep their donors secret until shortly before the primary. This new law, the Elections Transparency Act, has created a loophole that could be exploited by independent expenditure committees looking to influence the outcome of the election.
With 10 major candidates vying to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, the race is already crowded. Supporters of several candidates have formed independent expenditure committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to boost their chosen candidates. This influx of money from undisclosed sources could have a significant impact on the election, while leaving the public, the news media, and political opponents in the dark.
The Elections Transparency Act, signed into law in 2023, created a new category of political committees called independent expenditure groups. These groups are only required to disclose their donors and spending 11 days before a primary election and 20 days after, with no reporting in between. This lack of transparency has raised concerns among advocates for campaign finance reform.
Aaron McKean, senior legal counsel at the Campaign Legal Center, emphasized the importance of transparency in campaign finance. Voters deserve to know who is funding the ads they see, he said, and failing to disclose this information until after the election is not helpful to voters.
Despite the loopholes in the law, some groups have chosen to voluntarily disclose their funding sources. Building Bridges Voter Project, an independent expenditure committee supporting former Senate President Steve Sweeney’s campaign for governor, has filed non-required quarterly reports detailing their fundraising and spending. This level of transparency is commendable and sets a positive example for other groups.
However, not all groups are following suit. American Representative Majority, a super PAC run by South Jersey Democratic power broker George Norcross, opted to become an independent expenditure group, limiting its disclosure requirements. Other groups backing candidates like Sean Spiller and Ras Baraka have also not publicly disclosed their donors, leaving voters in the dark about who is funding their campaigns.
As the gubernatorial campaign heats up, the lack of transparency in campaign finance is becoming more apparent. Shady political organizations like “Jersey Freedom” have already taken advantage of the loopholes in the law to promote phantom candidates and influence the election. This underscores the need for stronger campaign finance laws and more transparency in the electoral process.
In conclusion, the 2025 gubernatorial election in New Jersey is facing challenges in transparency and campaign finance regulation. While some groups have chosen to voluntarily disclose their funding sources, others are taking advantage of loopholes in the law to keep their donors secret. As the campaign unfolds, it will be crucial for voters to stay informed and demand accountability from all candidates and political organizations involved.
