Nassau Government Relations, as representatives of the Jewish Federations of New Jersey, submitted a questionnaire to all 2025 gubernatorial candidates. The questionnaire was directed to the concerns of the Jewish community. All primary candidates from both parties were sent multiple requests and response deadlines were extended to accommodate any delays. The responses shared are from the candidates who responded to the survey. This publication does not endorse any candidate. The questionnaire is intended as an opportunity for community members to learn more about individual candidate positions. We encourage you to do your own research for each candidate to be an educated voter.
Antisemitism is at an all-time high in New Jersey, however incidents seem to result in short-lived reactive responses rather than a proactive, statewide strategy for addressing these issues. How do you propose to stop antisemitic crimes in our state and how would you ensure that antisemitic incidents and crimes are properly prosecuted?
Mayor Steve Fulop: We need to treat antisemitism like the serious threat it is. That starts with stronger coordination between law enforcement agencies, clear direction to prosecutors to fully pursue hate crimes, and better reporting and tracking at the state level. We also need to invest in education, especially in schools, to combat hate before it spreads. As Governor, I will make sure these crimes are taken seriously and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Congressman Josh Gottheimer: I’ll work tirelessly to stamp out antisemitism in every corner of the state and ensure the safety of Jewish students in our K-12 schools and on college campuses and Jewish families in their communities. We need to bring the full force of the law against the antisemites who are harassing Jewish communities all over this state. When I’m Governor, I’ll fund security for synagogues and places of worship, as well as uphold and enforce hate crime laws here in Jersey. We must also teach fact-based, extensive Holocaust education in our K-12 schools.
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill: I am appalled by the ongoing rise in antisemitism, especially here at home in our state. In my own district, we’ve witnessed a Molotov cocktail being thrown at Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield, to “terrorists this way” being written on the driveway at Temple Oheb Shalom while children were in Hebrew School, and Jewish children being targeted at school and online. It’s unacceptable. I have also heard alarming stories from parents whose kids were targeted, including a child whose peers put a Hitler mustache on their picture and called them antisemitic slurs. This is not something I will tolerate – ever – and speak out against it every chance I get.
As governor, I will enact a comprehensive state plan of action against antisemitism, modeled on the U.S. National Strategy to End Antisemitism. I’ll appoint an Attorney General who will aggressively go after hate crimes and antisemitic violence, and expand the governor’s Interfaith Advisory Council to build understanding and collaboration between faith communities across the state. I will continue to work with New Jersey’s college and university presidents to ensure that Jewish students are safe and welcomed on campus. And I’ll invest in educational programs that teach the values of tolerance, respect, and the truth of Jewish history and resilience.
Steve Sweeney: Antisemitism has no place in New Jersey. As Governor, I will lead a proactive statewide strategy that includes increased funding for nonprofit security grants, stronger enforcement of bias crime laws, and targeted education efforts in schools and communities. My administration will coordinate closely with law enforcement to ensure that antisemitic incidents are properly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
New Jersey values higher education, and we have several great colleges and universities in our State. However, we are seeing a divide on campuses between different student groups – and particularly with regard to Israel. What is your message to these groups?
Mayor Steve Fulop: Disagreement is part of learning. Harassment is not. Every student deserves to feel safe on campus. I support free speech, including protest. But when speech crosses into intimidation, it is no longer protected, and schools have an obligation to act. As Governor, I will ensure that New Jersey’s public universities enforce clear codes of conduct. If they fail to do so, the state will. Students can advocate for their beliefs without making others afraid to walk to class.
Congressman Josh Gottheimer: Universities are places for the freedom of exchange of ideas and debate — not hate. I know that groups, organizations, and centers at our universities live up to and reflect common and fundamental Jersey Values. In the past few years, many students have witnessed hostile antisemitic tropes and rhetoric associated with protests across campuses in our state and the nation. While it’s absolutely acceptable for students and faculty to speak their minds and disagree, the time, place, and manner are dispositive. Protests that harass, harm, or intimidate other students go far beyond First Amendment rights and begin to infringe on the wellbeing of others. All of us must have the moral compass and fortitude to stand up for what’s right, including in a university setting.
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill: I have had concerns about the safety of Jewish students on New Jersey’s campuses even before October 7th. As a mom, it breaks my heart to hear from students who feel unsafe or unwelcome on a college campus because of who they are and the religion they practice. Shortly after October 7th, I heard disturbing testimony from multiple university presidents who failed entirely to stand up for Jewish students or lay out a plan to address antisemitism and hate on their campuses. As a result, I wrote to the leadership at all of New Jersey’s institutions of higher education demanding that they protect students and ask more about how they were going to tackle antisemitism on their campuses. I received some thoughtful responses about proposed policies and implementations to keep students safe. I have had follow-up meetings to assess the progress of these new policies.
I will continue working with our institutions of higher education as governor to promote environments where students can learn about Israel — a key U.S. ally with a rich and important history — while having spaces to engage in respectful and thoughtful conversations with those who may have different viewpoints. I will continue to push to expand Holocaust education for children of all ages. And, most importantly, I’ll make sure that Jewish students are safe and welcomed on their campuses.
Steve Sweeney: Our colleges should be places of dialogue, inclusion, and learning. Students deserve to feel safe and respected regardless of their identity or beliefs. As Governor, I will encourage an environment of respectful conversation on our campuses and work with university leaders to support free expression while protecting students from harassment and hate. In my career, I’ve worked across divides and brought people together, even when we’ve disagreed. That’s the kind of leadership I will bring to this issue, one grounded in listening, dialogue, and action.
If you become Governor of New Jersey, would you sign an Executive Order, Proclamation, Legislation, or a combination of the three, adopting the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism in New Jersey?
Mayor Steve Fulop: I am the father of three Jewish children. My grandparents are Holocaust survivors. I was the first to call out antisemitism during the Jersey City mass shooting. Jersey City is the only municipality in New Jersey with a public sukkah, and I attended Yeshiva my entire life. There is no candidate more experienced or committed to protecting the Jewish community. I do not believe the IHRA definition alone will stop antisemitism, and I believe the debate around it may inflame tensions. That said, if the legislature passes it, I will not veto it. What matters most is enforcing the strong laws already in place and leading with moral clarity.
Congressman Josh Gottheimer: Since the heinous October 7 attacks on Israel, we have seen an explosion of antisemitic violence and intimidation on college campuses and in communities across New Jersey and the nation. Far too many in our community no longer feel safe in their own homes or classrooms. That is why I led federal, bipartisan legislation, the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which will federally adopt IHRA. My IHRA bill passed the House last Congress. I would be proud to ensure that IHRA is the Law of the Land in New Jersey, as well.
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill: With the ongoing rise of antisemitism in New Jersey, all over the country, and across the globe, it is important that we are taking additional steps to protect the Jewish community. I voted for the IHRA definition of antisemitism in the House, and if elected governor, I would support legislation like the current version of the New Jersey State Senate bill, which adopts the IHRA definition of antisemitism and explicitly protects the right to criticize the government of the State of Israel.
Steve Sweeney: Yes. I would adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism in New Jersey through a combination of executive order and legislative action. As Senate President, I supported efforts to formally recognize this definition and worked with stakeholders to ensure it was integrated into our broader anti-bias strategy. This definition offers a clear, globally recognized framework for identifying and combating antisemitism. Adopting it sends a strong message that New Jersey stands firmly against all forms of hate and discrimination.
What is your position on calls for the divestiture of State investments in Israeli companies, and on calls for the termination of academic, research, and industrial partnerships with the State or its institutions?
Mayor Steve Fulop: I oppose this. My father was Golani in the IDF and I believe these calls from some are misguided. Cutting ties with Israeli companies or universities won’t bring peace, it’ll just isolate New Jersey from global innovation and economic growth. We benefit from those partnerships in biotech, energy, cybersecurity, and higher education. Turning our back on them would be a disservice to our students, our economy, and our values.
Congressman Josh Gottheimer: BDS inherently denies the Jewish people’s 3,000-year-old connection to the land of Israel, while seeking to delegitimize Israel and deny its right to exist as a Jewish state. The founder of the BDS movement has called for the destruction of Israel. This is antisemitism dressed up as political purity.
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill: I have long opposed the BDS movement and would continue to stand strong in that opposition as governor. Israel is a key ally of the United States and an important economic and educational partner with deep personal ties here in New Jersey. During my first term in Congress, I traveled to Israel along with my mother and saw those connections firsthand, including at Kibbutz Erez and Kibbutz Ofakim, two communities in Israel with sister synagogues and strong ties to the community here in New Jersey.
As governor, I would continue to support Israel’s defense, promote strong trade partnerships, encourage shared research, development, and educational connections, and respect the strong personal ties between communities here in New Jersey and in Israel.
Steve Sweeney: I oppose calls to divest from Israeli companies and terminate academic or industrial partnerships. These efforts often single out Israel unfairly and risk undermining important economic and research ties. New Jersey must continue to be a partner in supporting innovation, education, and collaboration that benefits our residents.
As Governor of New Jersey, would you continue to support funding for the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program that ensures the safety and security of nonprofit and religious institutions throughout the State?
Mayor Steve Fulop: Yes, and I’ll strengthen it. I’ve seen the threats that synagogues, mosques, churches, and community centers face, especially during periods of heightened tension. As Governor, I’ll protect their right to gather safely. I’ll work to increase funding, simplify the application process, and expand outreach so smaller organizations, especially in under-resourced communities, can access these critical funds. When communities are targeted for who they are, the state has a responsibility to step up.
Congressman Josh Gottheimer: The Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides critical funding to nonprofits at high risk of threats or other violent attacks. It’s especially important for faith-based institutions and houses of worship, to enhance their physical security and provide access to training to protect communities from the growing threat of hate and violence. In Congress, I’m proud to have clawed back for New Jersey more than $15 million from the federal government in Nonprofit Security Grants. As Governor, I will continue ensuring that we fund this critical program.
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill: Yes. In Congress, I worked with local synagogues to secure and increase federal Nonprofit Security Grant funding. Temple Ner Tamid had used that funding to “harden” their synagogue, which was critical to keeping people safe and minimizing damage when a Molotov cocktail was thrown in a heinous act of antisemitism. In Congress, I cosponsored and voted for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Improvement Act, which authorized the program at $500 million annually through Fiscal Year 2028. Importantly, in response to the growth in the program, which was funded at its highest level in fiscal year 2024, the bill directed FEMA to establish a dedicated office within the agency to administer the program and provide greater outreach, engagement, education, technical assistance, and support to eligible nonprofits. My office does webinars to provide an overview of the program and offers guidance to local nonprofits on how to apply, and I continue to offer letters of support for those synagogues and other places of worship in the community applying for this grant.
As governor, I would work to fund programs at the state level that help defray security costs for religious institutions and nonprofits, because every single New Jerseyan should feel safe in their house of worship.
Steve Sweeney: Yes. I strongly support continued and expanded funding for the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Religious institutions and community organizations should never have to choose between safety and service. This program helps protect vulnerable communities and is a vital part of a comprehensive public safety strategy.
Medicaid is vital to the health and stability of hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans, including many members of our community, such as Holocaust survivors, who rely on Medicaid to provide daily living, critical care, and support services. Congress is considering legislation that would threaten these benefits and cut $880 billion from the federal budget. What are you doing to fight these cuts and ensure that low-income NJ children and parents, seniors, and the disabled are not left without proper healthcare?
Mayor Steve Fulop: If Congress guts Medicaid, people in New Jersey will suffer. It’s not theoretical, it’s access to a home health aide, a cancer screening, a prescription refill. I’ll fight any federal proposal that threatens care for our seniors, our kids, and people with disabilities. I’ll also be ready with a state-level response. If Washington won’t do its job, we will. I won’t balance the budget by pulling the rug out from under people who need care.
Congressman Josh Gottheimer: The extremists in Washington have declared war on our most vulnerable—seniors, children, and people with disabilities—by targeting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. I’m fighting back. In Congress, I’ve led the charge to block devastating cuts, including the Trump Administration’s plan to eliminate Social Security field offices even here in New Jersey. As Governor, I’ll do everything in my power to protect these earned benefits. I’ll direct my Attorney General to sue to stop any cuts. These programs are a promise—a contract we’ve made with those who’ve paid in. We don’t get to break that promise just because Elon Musk does it to his own employees. I'll work tirelessly to make sure everyone eligible for Medicaid gets enrolled without delay. As Governor, I’ll enact presumptive eligibility for children, so they can access care right away without waiting for their Medicaid or CHIP applications to be processed. I’ll also guarantee continuous coverage for children on Medicaid through their third birthday.
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill: Right now, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Washington Republicans want to take away health care from 1.8 million New Jerseyans, including one in three children and more than half of nursing home residents, in order to line their own pockets. It’s unacceptable — and I have already voted against their budget twice and will continue to fight against these disastrous cuts. It is unclear as of yet what New Jersey will receive from the federal government as Trump cuts Medicaid. If he goes through with his threats to cut Medicaid health coverage for kids and seniors, I’m going to bring together our health care organizations, not-for-profit hospitals, and commercial insurers to develop a comprehensive strategy to close the coverage gaps to protect our most vulnerable populations.
Steve Sweeney: Yes. I fully support protecting and expanding access to Medicaid for low-income children and families, seniors, Holocaust survivors, and individuals with disabilities. A Sweeney administration will strongly oppose any federal cuts to Medicaid and ensure New Jersey remains a national leader in care access. I will prioritize investments in home and community-based services, strengthen programs for direct support professionals, and pursue budget reforms that ensure long-term stability for essential healthcare services. No one in our state should be left behind when it comes to accessing the care they need.