The Green Party’s candidate for New Jersey governor has withdrawn from the race, triggering a scramble by party activists to find a replacement in time for the November election — a contest that could be closer than usual, making the Green Party’s influence larger.
Stephen N. Zielinski, Sr. formally notified the New Jersey Division of Elections of his withdrawal, citing a serious health issue. Activists now have until August 21 to gather the 2,000 signatures required to put a new candidate on the ballot.
“I will be stepping down from the race for Governor of New Jersey, as I confront a serious health issue. This is not a goodbye,” Zielinski said in his withdrawal statement. “I will continue to fight for policy that transforms our state—from healthcare reform and renewable energy independence to property tax relief and urban agriculture that nourishes all 9.5 million residents of New Jersey.”
Lily Benavides, who had been expected to serve as Zielinski’s running mate for lieutenant governor, has announced she will seek the governorship instead.
Benavides said she intends to name her own lieutenant governor candidate soon. She framed her campaign as a voice for social justice and anti-war policies, pledging to stand “in solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters” and uphold the Green Party’s core values.
Under state election law, independent candidates such as those from the Green Party can be replaced, but only by starting over with new petitions. If the signatures are not collected in time, the party will not have a candidate in the general election. This stands in contrast to major parties, which can fill vacancies through a vote of state committee members.
While the Green Party rarely attracts significant support in New Jersey — its past gubernatorial candidates have polled between 0.3% and 0.7% — this year’s political climate could give the party an outsized role. Polls shows the race between Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill tightening, raising the possibility that even a small share of votes for a third-party candidate could sway the outcome.
