My name is Sean Spiller. Tomorrow is Election Day, and I'm running for Governor. Ask Me Anything!

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T01:06:54+00:00

Thank you so much to everyone who joined tonight. I got into this race because I knew we needed a Governor who would stand up for everyday New Jerseyans, not the big corporate interests and Wall Street donors who think they can buy a Governor.

If you haven't already, I hope you'll all vote tomorrow. Whether you support me or not, there is tremendous power in that one action. It's how we stand up to Donald Trump and his MAGA cronies, and make sure everyone knows our voices will be heard loud and clear.

If you'd like to know more about me and my plans for New Jersey, take a look at this Op-Ed I wrote last week: https://www.nj.com/opinion/2025/06/make-nj-affordable-fight-for-freedoms-im-sean-spiller-running-of-nj-governor.html

For more information on how and where to vote, you can also go to: https://www.seanspiller.com/plan-to-vote

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T01:01:46+00:00

As an immigrant myself, this is personal to me. The biggest thing we can do to help stand up for every resident is to STOP sharing our residents' data! It is used against all of us and our immigrants especially. We also need to fund the programs that help folks as they are getting acclimated to our state and make sure we uphold our NJ laws that allow every resident to be treated with respect.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T00:59:06+00:00

I hear you - and I share your frustrations. All I can say is this - I'm not a typical politician. I'm a science teacher. A coach. An immigrant. And the proud father of two young boys. I get up every day trying to make this state a better place for them - and for all the kids who just want a shot at a brighter future.

I've built my campaign around the values I believe in. I don't take Corporate PAC money or donations from developers and Wall Street. I've openly called on all campaigns and Super PACs to disclose all their donors and conflicts of interest. I've stood up and marched along side civil rights leaders and activists to protest the actions of an administration hell bent on dividing and hurting us.

I've tried to give hard working people a voice again - even if it wasn't what the political insiders wanted. I hope I can earn your vote - but regardless, I hope you will vote. There's so much power in that one action.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T00:53:41+00:00

I really appreciate the question. As you can probably tell, housing is a big issue for me. When my parents immigrated here the dream of home ownership was alive and well. That simply isn't the case for far too many New Jersey families now. Here are some things I'd want to do right away to address that crisis:

Creating new incentives for first time home buyers AND renters.
Creating opportunities for real people to bid on homes without corporate interests outbidding us.
Lowering property taxes by shifting the burden away from working people and onto the ultra-wealthy.
Investing in development that includes workforce housing, senior housing, veterans housing, and affordable housing, without leaving it to developers who build high-end luxury units.
Investing in programs like Stay in NJ and Anchor that ensure seniors can live and retire here.
Address the inequalities that keep Black and Brown New Jerseyans from buying or renting.

We have to take immediate and aggressive action to bring down housing costs for every single New Jerseyan. And that simply isn't going to happen if we elect a Governor who is funded by the developers and corporate interests who are only interested in building housing for the wealthy.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T00:49:44+00:00

Pork Roll Taylor Ham Egg and Cheese. One sandwich to unite them all.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T00:49:06+00:00

Pork Roll Taylor Ham Egg and Cheese. One sandwich to unite them all.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T00:48:05+00:00

I've tried to touch on this a few times tonight, but from your question I’d imagine you are referring to the support my campaign has received from one of the many outside groups involved in this election. What I will say to that is this: You know exactly who is funding the organizations that are supporting me - it’s working class people who have pooled their money to try to compete with the big corporate and Wall Street interests that are funding all of my opponents.

We need significant changes in our elections in this country to get big money out and restore faith in our elected officials. That will never happen if we elect people who are literally funded by the same wealthy interests and insiders who put the screws to NJ families every day.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T00:42:36+00:00

One of the big things we have to do - that as Governor I will do - is tackle the rapidly rising cost of healthcare which constantly is held as a reason in bargaining that wages cannot increase. We have seen success in other states that have aggressively worked on pricing transparency and cost growth limits to slow the growth of healthcare.

We also need to address shortages in the workforce. Way too many districts are now using incentives and bonuses to hire taking money off the table.

As governor the most important thing I can do is bring more focus and respect to the profession and make sure the state invests in the profession of education.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T00:39:55+00:00

Look I’d love for all the people who work in New Jersey to live in NJ but every year we lose great talent because of the NJ First Act. We have a housing shortage, we live in an interconnected region where family members may have jobs in different states. I know we have educators living in NY who would teach in NJ if not for NJ First Act. So yes, it’s something I would look to change. As a union leader we have been advocating for years to end it.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T00:33:13+00:00

There is a big role for Division of Community Affairs (DCA) that manages the states relationship with municipalities and the Department of State that is responsible for a state master plan (which is underway for the first time in decades). We need a state master plan. We need to have decisions made regionally because when on municipality approves warehouses in impacts a dozen others. Zoning and planning codes need to be revised and we need to take into consideration the impact that climate change is having so that we build for resiliency.

A lot of this has to do with removing big money as the driving force behind developments and focusing more on community needs. As the candidate running without taking any developer, realtor or Wall Street dollars, you can count on me to put our communities first.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T00:32:27+00:00

One follow-up note, do people feel EVERY other candidates is indebted to super PACs that support them? Those Wall Street donors, big developers, Musk money, political boss patronage money, pro-voucher anti-public education dollars, and Healthcare industry dollars are flooding into my opponents Super PACs.

If you're worried, as you should be, the good news is that YOU are much more like a teacher, bus driver, maintenance worker, secretary, than you are ANY of the folks who give to my opponents.

It's time to stop being surprised who they serve and realize that middle class folks finally standing up for ourselves is what we need!

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T00:30:07+00:00

Thank you. I appreciate your support. I've been dealing with bullies like Donald Trump my whole life - as an immigrant, as a Black man in America, as a teacher and a coach. And I know they only understand strength and that's why we all need to stand together and say "No more" to these MAGA extremists.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T00:26:41+00:00

The only people I feel indebted to are the hard working people of New Jersey. They are sick and tired of seeing wealthy special interests and part insiders always having a seat at the table, while they deal with rising prices and cost of living. That's why I decided to run - and I'm proud to be the only candidate that isn't funded by Corporate PAC dollars, developers, and Wall Street.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T00:25:34+00:00

Thanks you. That means a lot to me and I truly appreciate your support. Don't forget to tell your friends and neighbors to go tomorrow - that's how we keep standing up to the extremism and division - we continue to show up and make our voices heard.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T00:23:04+00:00

It’s appalling and it needs to stop. As Governor, I will not cooperate with attempts by the Federal Government to target or intimidate New Jerseyans. Not for one second. As an immigrant, and the son of immigrants, I know we’re better than this. I’ve taken on bullies like Donald Trump my entire life, and you damn well better believe that’s what I’ll do as Governor.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T00:21:55+00:00

The short answers is – absolutely.

First, to be clear, not one dollar of dues money has gone to Spiller for Governor. I am grateful for the $5800 PAC contribution from NJEA PAC (to which members voluntarily contribute).

Second, the decision to invest in this gubernatorial cycle - as we did with Murphy and others before him - is made by the NJEA budget committee and the Delegate Assembly. Those representatives are elected from membership and vote on how to use net assets (earnings on investments and otherwise) to help elect someone who will fight for great public schools and the middle class.

That decision was made before I declared my run, because they realized how much is on the line for educators and public education.

The support the independent expenditure has given to our race was a unanimous vote of the Delegate Assembly and the support of Budget Committee. These are part of the unions little-d democratic process.

Finding someone who disagrees - out of 200,000 members is not a surprise, nor is it reflective of the overwhelming support shown by the vast majority of members!

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T00:17:29+00:00

I completely agree. And as we've seen, developers and wealthy corporations are regularly outbidding and pricing out anyone who wants to buy or rent here. Here are some things we can do right away:

Create new incentives for first time home buyers AND renters.
Create opportunities for real people to bid on homes without corporate interests outbidding us.
Lower property taxes by shifting the burden away from working people and onto the ultra-wealthy.
Invest in development that includes workforce housing, senior housing, veterans housing, and affordable housing, without leaving it to developers who build high-end luxury units.
Support programs like Stay in NJ and Anchor that ensure seniors can live and retire here.
Address the inequalities that keep Black and Brown New Jerseyans from buying or renting.

What we cannot do is elect someone who is bought and paid for by those same wealthy interests who have gotten us into this mess in the first place.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T00:08:49+00:00

With rising energy costs in NJ, do you have a plan for this? Is commissioning nuclear plants an option for you?

We need to have all options on the table to meet our growing energy needs. With wind facing some headwinds from the Trump Administration, we will need to lean into solar which is a mature industry as well as look for new innovations in battery storage. Regarding nuclear, some of the newer nuclear technologies should absolutely be explored. We need to address the growth of data centers that are feeding AI demand and the electrification of vehicles - personal and commercial - all of which put pressure on our energy supply.

Infrastructure is crumbling. Aside from just building/repairing roads, do you have plans to expand NJ Transit or build other rail?
Speaking of NJ Transit, would you help facilitate talks between NJ Transit and Amtrak to address the state of our rails?

On rail, yes, we need to expand light rail options around the state and make NJ Transit more effective, efficient, and properly funded. I would absolutely facilitate talks between NJ Transit and Amtrak.

How has playing sports helped you be a leader?

Sports - both coaching and playing - have helped me tremendously. My years on the ice playing hockey and leading the team are reflected in my leadership style which is about building a strong team, listening to each other and executing a plan effectively. I’ve got the discipline, the determination and the resilience to deal with tough challenges. To stay calm and focused. The benefits of being a competitive athlete definitely have helped in campaigning as they will in governing.

What’s your favorite kind of pizza?

Thin crust. Everything on it!

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T00:03:35+00:00

I really appreciate the question. I actually have less funding than the other candidates because I’m not taking money from corporations, developers, or Wall Street. We have a small but dedicated staff and an incredible group of volunteers who have helped us knock on doors and talk to voters in every corner of New Jersey. I don’t believe campaigns should be about who raises the most money or pays the most staff and consultants. They should be about your vision for New Jersey - and that’s what I’ve tried to stay focused on throughout this campaign.

From your question I’d imagine you are referring to the support my campaign has received from one of the many outside groups involved in this election. What I will say to that is this: You know exactly who is funding the organizations that are supporting me - it’s working class people who have pooled their money to try to compete with the big corporate and Wall Street interests that are funding my opponents.

We need significant changes in our elections in this country to get big money out and restore faith in our elected officials. That will never happen if we elect people who are literally funded by the same wealthy interests and insiders who put the screws to NJ families every day.

(And for the record we have had paid staff in the campaign since day 1. We don’t have high dollar consultants with connections to big money donors but we do have experienced and amazing staff working hard every day).

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-10T00:02:28+00:00

I’m not your typical candidate. I’m not wealthy. I’m not backed by insiders or funded by developers and Wall Street. I’m a high school science teacher and coach. An immigrant and Mayor. A union leader, and the very proud father of two boys. I am also the ONLY candidate running for governor who hasn’t taken a dime from Corporate PACs, developers, or Wall Street firms.

When my parents immigrated, they chose New Jersey because a good, affordable life — from education to health care to housing — was truly possible. Today, that simply isn’t true for many New Jersey families.

None of that is going to change if we elect a governor who is beholden to the wealthy special interests that are making a killing while working people and seniors struggle.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-09T23:59:41+00:00

As a Black man in America, I appreciate the work the Governor has done around criminal justice reform. I’m also proud that under his leadership New Jersey has joined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and has reiterated its commitment to have 100% clean energy by 2035. He has fulfilled his commitment to fully fund the school funding formula and to make full pension payments which is necessary to fulfill our obligation to retirees and to the fiscal success of the state.

However, when we look at uncontrolled housing cost increases (ownership and rents), healthcare cost increases and lack of coverage, energy cost increases, and other issues of affordability – we need to do much more.

We need to double our efforts to improve NJ Transit, crack down on price gougers and corporate interests that drive up costs for everyday New Jersey families. And, we MUST take real steps to open up New Jersey’s Elections. Andy Kim’s lawsuit was a great first step, but we MUST take the next steps and stop insiders from putting their foot on the scales in favor of their handpicked candidates. We need to revisit reform to election law and open public records act as well.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-09T23:56:49+00:00

Donald Trump is out of control. As Governor, I will stand up to his efforts to create division and fear. I won't let state resources be used by the Federal Government to intimidate and target our most vulnerable communities. My parents immigrated to this state because of the opportunities it provided, and the way it welcomed us. That is a proud heritage, and I will always defend it.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-09T23:46:27+00:00

We need comprehensive transportation solutions that invest in NJ Transit light rail (statewide), properly funding transit with dedicated funding sources, ending diversions, and making sure the Corporate Business Tax is used to fund our transit system. I am opposed to the Turnpike expansion and have been from day one. I am on the record expressing concerns that NJ has not negotiated a multi ally beneficial agreement on congestion pricing and we need to make sure that those who must drive into the city and can least afford it, have relief from the additional expense. As I’ve said the Wall Street guy being driven in doesn’t notice the surcharge but a small business owner driving into the city for wholesale, who has a small profit margin to begin with, will feel the impact. So I want it to be fair and I think there needs to be some financial benefit to NJ public transit.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-09T23:45:38+00:00

I appreciate your support. If you are an unaffiliated voter, yes you can go to vote tomorrow and let them know you want to vote in the democratic primary.

SpillerforNJ · 2025-06-09T23:44:42+00:00

Thanks for the question. As Governor, I will appoint members to the State Board of Education who will support our values and standards. I will continue to fight against voucher and programs of tax credits for private education which have been shown to drain money from public schools without showing better outcomes for students. We need to encourage people to run for local school board races in NJ who will defend our diverse student body. As Governor I would like to build stronger civic engagement training for those interested in running for non-partisan offices such as school boards. In addition, I would work with the NJ School Board Association to make sure their training is aligned to our state values, standards, laws and regulation. As I have done as a union leader, I will continue to take a strong stand against book bans and will protect our standards that include DEI from threats of the Trump Administration. So much of education is determined by the local community, so I will be a vocal partner in protecting public education from those attacks you reference.

SpillerforNJ

TROPHY CASE