TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea has claimed a surge in donations following former President Donald Trump’s May 12 endorsement of his primary opponent, Jack Ciattarelli. But recent campaign finance records filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission show little evidence to support that.
Spadea’s May 30 Form G1 report shows he raised $14,779.20 in small-dollar contributions — defined as donations under $200 — during the reporting period. That figure accounts for just 6 percent of the $220,000 Spadea has collected in small-dollar donations throughout the election cycle.
One of those donors, who accounts for more than $2,000 says she’s never even heard of Bill Spadea and not sure why the candidate is billing the elderly Georgia woman’s credit card almost weekly.
While contributions under $200 are not individually itemized, the overall data provides no clear indication of a post-endorsement spike. In comparison, Ciattarelli has raised $258,000 in small-dollar contributions this cycle, outpacing Spadea in the same donor category.
Overall, Spadea raised $74,000 in the latest filing period. Of that amount, $38,300 came from Republican organizations in Ocean County, Right to Life, and candidates for local office — not individual grassroots supporters.
Just $12,671.50 came from individual donors giving less than $1,000 following Trump’s endorsement, a figure that undermines claims of post-endorsement momentum.
Ocean County network drives high-dollar support
While grassroots enthusiasm appears limited, Spadea did receive max-out donations from multiple Republican candidates in Ocean County, including those running for commissioner, council, county clerk, and sheriff positions. Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore is pressuring those candidates to fund Spadea’s campaign. Gilmore is a paid consultant for Spadea’s Common Sense Club organization. Spadea’s bills include monthly payments to Bill Stepien and Tom Bonfonti, two gilmore operatives.
The surge in support from that local political network accounted for over half of his most recent fundraising haul. That regional backing highlights the strength of Spadea’s connections in Ocean County but contrasts sharply with broader donor trends in the state GOP primary.
Campaign filings show Spadea trailing Ciattarelli in key financial categories despite public statements to the contrary. The impact of Trump’s endorsement on the race’s fundraising dynamics appears to have favored Ciattarelli rather than Spadea.
