© 2024 WBGO
Discover Jazz...Anywhere, Anytime, on Any Device.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Former US Treasury Official Steps Up Bid For Governor

Ang Santos
/
WBGO

A former treasury official under the Bill Clinton administration is stepping up his campaign to run for New Jersey governor. 

Jim Johnson’s new campaign office in downtown Newark isn’t quite as spacious, or at the highly visible location of democratic front runner Phil Murphy’s, but Johnson says he never planned a high profile run to the Governor’s office.  No big endorsements or dollars, Johnson says no problem.

“I guess I’m an old fashioned guy and I believe in democracy and actually winning the support and the confidence of the people," Johnson tells WBGO.  "We just had an election in which those who were betting on the endorsements, probably still have their Jeb Bush for President inauguration tickets.  So I think the field is wide open and the opportunities are real.”

Johnson took aim at New Jersey ‘insiders’ in both Trenton and Washington to the pleasure of the 120 plus supporters in attendance.

“If you look at our state delegation to Congress, you recognize theirs room for change," Johnson said.  "If you look at our statehouse, you will see that there is room for change.  If you work with Jim Johnson, we’re going to bring the change.”

Credit Ang Santos / WBGO
/
WBGO
Johnson is the only candidate so far who’s raised enough funds to run a publically financed campaign.

A former federal prosecutor, Johnson thinks people will choose him over other democrats in June’s primary election once they learn more about his record.

“I’ve been working on the issues that are important to the people of New Jersey for a very long time, I just haven’t’ been campaigning," says Johnson.  "But I’ve been working on police community relations, I’ve worked on things like body cams, at the national level I’ve worked on law enforcement reform, and I’ve worked to help improve opportunity within my community for all people.”

Johnson has hit the $430,000 mark in fundraising, allowing his campaign to receive public matching funds.  The mark also qualifies him for future democratic primary debates.