Former New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney declared his candidacy for the 2025 gubernatorial election, aiming to succeed term-limited Democratic Governor Phil Murphy.
Sweeney, 64, a key ally of South Jersey political boss George Norcross and Republican ex-Governor Chris Christie, announced in an online video, highlighting his background as a union ironworker and his extensive legislative experience.
Sweeney’s campaign launch emphasized his commitment to the working class, citing his efforts to pass significant legislation during his tenure as Senate president from 2010 to 2022.
In the video, he credited his daughter Lauren, born with Down syndrome, as the inspiration for his entry into public service. “I will always put New Jersey’s kids, working families, and seniors first,” Sweeney said. “You know that’s who I’ll fight for because that’s who I’ve always fought for.”
The announcement comes despite Sweeney’s unexpected 2021 defeat by Republican Ed Durr.
Observers widely anticipated Sweeney’s return to the political arena after his friend and former legislative colleague, John Burzichelli, who defeated Durr in November, suggested that the George Norcross minion would soon announce his candidacy.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, who is also seeking the Democratic nomination for governor, welcomed Sweeney to the race but characterized him as a “more conservative” Democrat.
The comment hinted at Sweeney’s past association with Republican Governor Chris Christie, with whom he collaborated on pension and health benefit overhauls for public workers that required them to contribute an additional three percent of their salaries to their pensions, to pay more for their health insurance, and created new pension tiers with lower benefits. Those changes were approved over the objections of labor unions.
Fulop, known as a power player in northern New Jersey, criticized Sweeney for his close ties to Christie, stating, “He was involved in a lot of Gov. Christie’s legislative wins.”
However, he acknowledged Sweeney’s contributions to Democratic causes, highlighting clashes with Christie over issues like a higher minimum wage, paid family leave, and marijuana legalization.
Sweeney and Christie collaborated on key policy changes. They successfully navigated the passage of legislation that reformed public worker pensions and health benefits, .
Fulop claimed his progressive credentials include having advocated for a higher minimum wage and family leave before the Legislature addressed these issues.
The Democratic primary for the 2025 gubernatorial race sets the stage for a showdown between Sweeney and Fulop, both influential figures in their respective regions.
As New Jersey leans increasingly Democratic, the winner of the primary is expected to be well-funded in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans by about one million registered voters.
While Sweeney faces competition within the Democratic Party, the GOP is also gearing up for the 2025 race, with former Republican Assembly member Jack Ciattarelli expressing his intention to seek his party’s nomination once again.