| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Good Friday morning! It’s a common campaign tactic: File an ethics complaint against your opponent and reap the headlines about their being an ethics complaint against your opponent — even if, as it often does, it comes to nothing. That was my first thought when I read Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mayor Steve Fulop’s press release that the campaign had filed a complaint with the Election Law Enforcement Commission against rival Mikie Sherrill “regarding her clear misuse of congressional campaign funds to circumvent fundraising limits in her statewide gubernatorial campaign.” It’s interesting that they used the words “clear misuse” because neither the release nor the complaint itself — technically a request for an investigation — cites a single example. “As a sitting Congresswoman, she has improperly used her federal account for the purpose of advancing her statewide campaign for Governor of New Jersey,” Fulop attorney Scott Salmon wrote in the complaint. Sherrill campaign manager Alex Ball called the complaint a “fabricated charge from an obviously desperate and corrupt career politician with a long track record of steering city contracts to his campaign contributors.” I wonder if this press release was baiting the Sherrill campaign. The complaint only targets Sherrill, and not fellow gubernatorial rival Josh Gottheimer, who’s also a member of the House and who, before launching his campaign, used his House campaign funds to launch a “Jumpstart Jersey” initiative that was very obviously geared toward running for governor. Usually these types of campaign complaints contain some kind of allegation, no matter how thin. The fact that there’s nothing there stands out. Which makes me wonder if something actually is coming. For the record, I did ask the Fulop campaign for examples and will let you know if I get any. WHERE’S MURPHY? No public schedule
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Chris Estevez, Jim Kehoe, Caridad Salicrup. Saturday for Bill Caruso, Mike Cerra, Linda Doherty. Sunday for Rob Field, Christine Guhl, Heather Taylor, Albio Sires
QUOTE OF THE DAY #1: “Brandon was arrested for being at the Capitol on Jan. 6, even though he never went in the building and was an invited speaker at a permitted event. Brandon got the attention of the feds after he recorded an eight-minute video uploaded to social media. The FBI arrested him and nearly destroyed his life.” — Bill Spadea, on Jan. 6 rioter Brandon Straka, a guest on his show QUOTE OF THE DAY #2: “Take it, take it” — Brandon Straka, in a video he posted and allegedly deleted as rioters took a Capitol police officer’s shield, according to the statement offense he signed TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com | | | | Power shifts, razor-thin margins, and a high-stakes agenda. We’ve transformed our coverage—more reporters, more timely insights, and unmatched policy scoops. From leadership offices to committee rooms, caucus meetings, and beyond, our expert reporting keeps you ahead of the decisions that matter. Subscribe to our Inside Congress newsletter today. | | | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
POLL POSITION — “Democratic field for New Jersey governor’s race wide open: Poll,” by The Hill’s Jared Gans: “The Democratic field in the New Jersey gubernatorial race appears wide open with a half dozen major candidates in contention, according to an early survey of the race. The Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill poll released Thursday showed the candidates generally within the margin of error of each other and most voters’ support up for grabs. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) narrowly leads with 10 percent, while New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka tied for second with 8 percent, followed by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and former New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney with 7 percent. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop received 4 percent … On the GOP side, former state Assembly member and 2021 Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli has more of a lead in what is also a crowded field, with 26 percent. Radio talk show host Bill Spadea came in second with 13 percent, while state Sen. Jon Bramnick, a former state Assembly minority leader, received 4 percent … New Jersey voters’ view of Trump is about even, with 48 percent viewing him favorably and 46 percent viewing him unfavorably. Murphy is also about even, with a favorability rating of 44 percent and unfavorability rating of 42 percent.” DIMAIO NOT PAST POLITICAL EXPIRATION DATE — “DiMaio planning to enter race for Steinhardt’s Senate seat,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio is preparing to run for the State Senate seat now held by Doug Steinhardt (R-Lopatcong), President Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. Attorney. ‘Should the time come when Doug moves to a different position, then I’m in,’ DiMaio told the New Jersey Globe. ‘The people of the 23rd district know me and my conservative values.’ Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench is also a possible Senate candidate, either at the special election convention, in the primary, or both. Assemblyman Erik Peterson (R-Franklin) has told party leaders he won’t run and expects to endorse DiMaio … Party leaders from all three counties, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, suggested an agreement that Somerset County Republicans, would get the Assembly seat if DiMaio replaces Steinhardt in the Senate.” RAPE KITS — “Statewide tracking of rape kits now required by law in New Jersey,” by New Jersey Monitor’s Dana DiFilippo: “Sexual assault victims in New Jersey should be able to track their rape kits through the criminal justice system by late summer under a new law Gov. Phil Murphy signed Thursday that’s meant to reduce a backlog of untested evidence and provide more transparency to victims. The measure, which passed unanimously in both the Senate and Assembly, requires the state attorney general to create an online system where victims, law enforcement, and health care and laboratory workers can track the kits through the chain of custody, from collection to results … The state auditor found in a 2019 report that labs had no backlog while law enforcement agencies had over 2,800 kits in their possession that they hadn’t submitted for testing for various reasons, including investigators who had no suspects, believed the sexual act was consensual, or discounted victims who had a history of mental illness or had filed a complaint against their spouse or partner. In a separate report, a nonprofit found New Jersey law enforcement agencies had more than 1,200 untested rape kits between 2018 and 2020.” — “West Cape May mayor seeks Democratic nomination for Assembly” — “Murphy signs bill to speed tax incentives to projects in Atlantic City, other cities” — “Brian Sicknick’s brother endorses Mikie Sherrill” | | TRUMP ERA | |
IMMIGRATION — Judge blocks Trump order on birthright citizenship, by POLITICO’s Josh Gerstein: A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end the granting of American citizenship to children born to foreigners in the U.S. During a hearing Thursday in Seattle, U.S. District Judge John Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order preventing Trump from carrying out his order aimed at ending birthright citizenship. “This is a blatantly unconstitutional order,” Coughenour said in court, according to The Associated Press.
— “Gottheimer goes solo on Laken Riley act,” by New Jersey Globe’s Joey Fox: “During the Laken Riley Act’s closely watched journey through the House and Senate this month, more 60 Democratic members of Congress supported the bill, which would require immigration officials to detain undocumented immigrants charged with murder, theft, burglary, and a variety of other crimes. But only one of those Democrats was from New Jersey: Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly). Gottheimer, a moderate Democrat and a candidate for governor this year, supported the Senate-amended bill when it came before the House yesterday; he had been absent when the House first voted on it earlier this month, but he entered a statement into the record saying he would have voted for it then, too. That separates him from New Jersey’s ten other Democratic representatives and senators, each of whom voted against the bill, with many of them excoriating it as a violation of immigrants’ due process rights. In a brief statement on his vote, Gottheimer said that though he supported the bill, he does intend on fighting back if President Donald Trump goes after immigrants in New Jersey who haven’t committed any crimes.” THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEALTY — “How do NJ Republicans who support cops accept Jan. 6 pardons? Trump fealty rules,” by The Record’s Charles Stile: “For some Republicans, Trump’s action was indefensible and made a mockery of the GOP brand. Jon Bramnick, a Republican candidate for governor this year who has positioned himself as a moderate never-Trumper, denounced the pardons of those who inflicted violence on police and warned of the lasting damage it could have on the party’s reputation … Other New Jersey Republicans hid under the same rock that sheltered them through past Trump firestorms. Jack Ciattarelli, the former assemblyman making his third run for governor, did not respond to a message seeking comment, and his social media platforms — which serve as the new mouthpiece for politicians — had nothing to say about Trump’s pardons … But Trump, of course, had his defenders, like Bill Spadea, the right-wing radio provocateur and candidate for governor who featured Trump on his radio show. In a post on X, Spadea excused the pardons as a necessary corrective to the ‘weaponization’ of the Justice Department under President Joe Biden. ‘As you know from my decade plus public history, I will always put law enforcement first. At the same time, I 100% support President Trumps pardons for those involved four years ago as we need to recognize and defeat the ongoing efforts of the Democrats and bureaucracy to weaponize our justice system,’ he wrote. This is the false-equivalency nonsense peddled by MAGA and Trump’s supporters." — “NJ advises schools on how to protect students from ICE agents” — “Trump says N.J. has ‘won your war on stupidity’” — “How Jersey Shore LGBTQ+ activists will battle Trump transgender orders” | | LOCAL | |
TRYING TO MAKE SENSE OF FINING BROKE PEOPLE — “After public opposition, Paterson council backs off fining, jailing homeless residents,” by The Paterson Press’ Darren Tobia: “Facing strong opposition, the City Council on Tuesday night backed away from an ordinance that critics said would criminalize homelessness by imposing fines and possible jail sentences for camping out in public places. Officials said during the meeting that they would try to revise the proposed ordinance against public camping, possibly by removing the penalties.”
THAT’S WHAT ‘THEY’ WANT YOU TO BELIEVE — “Police debunk viral serial killer rumor circulating in N.J. town,” by NJ Advance Media’s Anthony G. Attrino: “Police in Somerset County have debunked viral social media rumors about a serial killer residing in Franklin Township. ‘The Franklin Township Police Department is actively addressing and dispelling unfounded rumors circulating on social media regarding the existence of a possible serial killer in the area,’ police said in a statement on Wednesday. ‘The agency is urging residents to remain alert but to exercise caution when encountering such false and misleading posts. These rumors have caused unnecessary panic within the community,’ the statement said.” TERPS FOR TOTS — “Don’t allow weed to be sold next to our preschool, N.J. school board tells city,” by NJ Advance Media’s Brianna Kudisch: "Trenton school board members are urging city officials to deny a proposed cannabis dispensary near one of the district’s preschools, saying it’s 'not in the best interest of our community.' The dispensary is proposed at 359 Pennington Avenue, next to the YMCA that houses one of the Mercer County district’s preschools, the Trenton Board of Education said last week.” — “I was defamed during battle over N.J. principal, ex-[South Orange-Maplewood] school board member says in suit” — “Jackson schools' budget crunch drives move to close one of its two high schools” — “Hoboken council gives police chief new 3-year contract that tops out at $330k” — “Mayor Fulop, where do you stand on Braddock Park controversy? | Opinion” — “Bridgewater police officer files racial discrimination lawsuit against officials” — “[Neptune] cop spotted woman at school pick-up, used PD database to ask her out, authorities say” — “Newark moves to seize rents, revoke tax break for ‘ice cold’ building” — “These 30 Atlantic County public officials and employees have been charged since 2022” — “Atlantic City mayor reports Bader Field progress in State of the City address” | | | | New Year. New Washington. New Playbook. With intensified congressional coverage and even faster delivery of policy scoops, POLITICO’s reimagined Playbook Newsletter ensures you’re always ahead of the conversation. Sign up today. | | | | | | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
PHIL MURPHY IS A POPULATIONIST — “New Jersey leads Northeast in population growth and is bigger than ever. Here's why,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Michael L. Diamond: “New Jersey's population reached a record 9.5 million in 2024, a surprise surge that was driven by international immigrants who have more than made up for a modest birth rate and long-time residents leaving the Garden State, analysts said. The steady stream of immigrants during the past five years has given New Jersey the strongest population growth in the Northeast. And while President Donald Trump has moved quickly to crack down on immigration, experts say the influx has helped the state's economy by adding to the labor force and sparking new businesses … New Jersey's population, merely inching ahead for the better part of two decades, jumped 1.3% in 2024, according to U.S. Census data, placing the Garden State among the 10 fastest growing states nationwide. It gave Gov. Phil Murphy a chance during his recent State of the State address to tout the New Jersey economy and fire back against a perennial survey by United Van Lines that invariably shows residents leaving in droves … New Jersey has about 2.3 million immigrants, including about 450,000 who are undocumented. They make up nearly a quarter of the state's population, higher than the national rate of 14.3%, according to government data.”
— “Why Trump’s immigration policies could hit NJ economy hard,” by NJ Spotlight News’ John Reitmeyer: “During a policy forum hosted by the nonpartisan New Jersey Business Immigration Council earlier this month, several panelists highlighted the role immigrants play in a state with more than $630 billion in gross domestic product. According to Ramya Devan, a professor of economics and global studies at Stockton University, foreign-born workers currently account for nearly 30% of the state’s labor force, which is much higher than the national rate of 18%. And in some of New Jersey’s northern counties, the portion of the state’s labor force made up of immigrants tops 40%, Devan said during the policy forum. ‘The bottom line is that the New Jersey economy relies greatly on immigrant workers,’ he said. ‘The New Jersey economy would not survive if these immigrant workers went away, suddenly.’” WINDMILLS’ FAULT — “NJ kids' teeth are rotting more than the national average. Here's why,” by The Record’s Scott Fallon: “More than a third of New Jersey's children have untreated tooth decay, far outpacing the national average. And the leading cause, advocates say, is the limited access to care that low-income families have. In a state with the second-highest average household income, poor children with poor teeth often get overlooked in New Jersey until there is a major problem. And even then, getting to see a dentist can be a major challenge, some dentists and health advocates say.” — “Dual leadership controversies plague Seton Hall” — “Liberians who survived a civil war say a man now living in South Jersey committed atrocities including murder” — “Sterling Manor in Maple Shade, facing a Medicare cutoff, relocates residents” — “Breastfeeding support at NJ’s first ‘baby café’” | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
