The New Jersey Libertarian Party (NJLP), the state's largest third party with 25,145 registered voters as of July, is fielding eight Congressional candidates in the 2024 general election. Additionally, NJLP supports local board of education candidates in Middletown (Michael Adam Geftic) and Montague (Caitlin Statkus) and nationally backs Chase Oliver for president and Mike ter Maat for vice president.
Founded in 1972, the NJLP aims to promote a society based on individual liberty, personal responsibility, and limited government intervention. The party advocates for policies that reduce government size, taxation, and regulation while protecting civil rights and promoting free markets. Their platform emphasizes non-interventionist foreign policy, criminal justice reform, and a simplified immigration system. By endorsing candidates who share these principles, the NJLP strives to influence both state and national policies toward a more libertarian approach
Vic Kaplan, born in Newark and residing in Parsippany, emphasizes smaller government, lower taxes, and individual liberty. He supports Oliver's federal immigration reform proposals, which aim to simplify the system, create easier pathways to citizenship, and expand visa options. Kaplan's community involvement includes the Livingston Lions Club.
Chris Russomanno, running in District 3 against Rep. Andy Kim, was born in Trenton and has a background in law enforcement and the Marine Corps. He stresses ending the Federal Reserve, curbing inflation, stopping endless wars, and defending constitutional rights. Russomanno criticizes government spending on foreign aid while domestic issues remain unresolved.
John Morrison, a history and journalism teacher from Red Bank, is challenging Rep. Chris Smith. He advocates for term limits, federal immigration reform, and reducing government interference. Morrison highlights his educational experience to argue against federal and state intervention in education.
James Tosone, a retired business executive from Bergen County, focuses on fiscal responsibility, educational choice, and a realistic foreign policy. Tosone's platform includes reducing federal taxes and debt, reforming Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, promoting free trade, and avoiding unnecessary military conflicts.
Matthew Amitrano, a police officer with over 20 years of public service, is running in District 6 against Rep. Frank Pallone. Amitrano emphasizes the struggle of working-class families, advocating for reducing government control and military spending. He calls for a government focused on protecting individual rights and liberties.
Lana Leguía, a 32-year-old Sussex County resident, challenges Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. Leguía’s platform includes ending subsidies to arms dealers, abolishing the draft, closing overseas military bases, and creating pathways to citizenship for immigrants. She also supports gun rights and opposes federal gun restrictions.
Bruno Pereira, who immigrated to the U.S. at 17 and has a background in financial management, is running in District 9 against Rep. Bill Pascrell. Pereira advocates for reducing bureaucracy, lowering taxes, and promoting school choice. He emphasizes the importance of the American Dream and aims to ensure accessible opportunities for all immigrants.