SALEM, N.J. — Justin Barbera, a Republican candidate in Tuesday’s New Jersey gubernatorial primary, was arrested last week and spent over twelve hours in the Salem County Correctional Facility for failing to pay child support, according to jail records.
This was first reported by the New Jersey Globe.
Barbera, a contractor from Burlington County, was booked into the county jail at approximately 2:25 a.m. on June 3 and released at around 3:10 p.m. later that day under a court order. Officials confirmed the arrest and detention on Monday.
Despite his legal troubles, Barbera secured the 2,500 signatures required to appear on the June 10 primary ballot. However, he has not raised any campaign funds, received major endorsements, or qualified for either of the two Republican gubernatorial debates.
On May 20, Barbera attended the New Jersey Globe/On New Jersey/Rider University/Save Jersey gubernatorial debate in Newark, although he was not invited to participate. According to an attendee, Barbera was removed from the venue after insisting he be allowed to take part in post-debate press activities, and allegedly threatened to storm the stage.
History of legal and political struggles
Barbera has previously faced criminal charges, including theft and criminal mischief. In the 2024 general election, he ran as a conservative third-party candidate in New Jersey’s 3rd congressional district, finishing with 0.3% of the vote in a race won by Democrat Herb Conaway Jr.
Barbera has not responded to repeated phone calls or text messages seeking comment. New Jersey family court records, including those related to child support cases, are not publicly accessible.
Barbera’s arrest adds another legal challenge to his already marginal campaign ahead of Tuesday’s GOP primary.
