New Jersey Permits Campaign Funds for Security
Governor Mikie Sherrill signed legislation allowing candidates to use campaign funds for personal and family protection.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Elections
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New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed a new law that authorizes candidates to use campaign contributions to cover the costs of security guards and surveillance equipment. This legislation extends protective measures to a candidate's immediate family household members.
Why it matters
The policy was enacted to address a perceived rise in politically motivated violence against public officials. It allows candidates to safeguard themselves and their families while maintaining strict prohibitions against self-dealing.
New Jersey becomes the 17th state to authorize campaign security spending following an Assembly vote of 51-12 with 9 abstentions. Candidates are strictly prohibited from hiring relatives or family-owned companies for these services.
The players
Mikie Sherrill
She is the Governor of New Jersey who signed the new campaign security legislation into law.
The details
Candidates are now permitted to utilize campaign funds for surveillance equipment and personnel to ensure their safety. To prevent conflicts of interest, the law expressly forbids the hiring of family members or businesses owned by family for these security services.
Timeline
The New Jersey Senate unanimously approved the legislation in June 2026.
The New Jersey Assembly passed the security bill in September 2026.
Political Context
This law follows a pattern set by the 17th state authorization of campaign security funds. It highlights the pushback from lawmakers who prioritize institutional safety in an era of heightened political risk.
This law changes the financial obligations for candidates seeking public office by allowing them to redirect campaign funds toward personal safety. Citizens can expect to see increased transparency requirements as candidates disclose these new security-related expenditures.
The takeaway
Candidates should review state ethics guidelines before procuring security services to avoid violations regarding family-owned businesses. This law reflects the evolving necessity of personal protection for those serving in the public eye.
Further reading
For more information on state legislative updates, visit New Jersey elections.
Live Poll
Should political candidates be allowed to use campaign donations to pay for their own personal security?
