Politics
Federal Probe Examines NJEA's $40M Push for Spiller's Gubernatorial Bid
Federal authorities are investigating whether the New Jersey Education Association improperly funneled roughly $40 million through two super PACs to boost former president Sean Spiller's 2025 Democratic gubernatorial campaign, with subpoenas issued to people connected to Working New Jersey.
Federal authorities have opened an investigation into the New Jersey Education Association's use of approximately $40 million in union funds to support former president Sean Spiller's 2025 Democratic campaign for governor, according to four people with knowledge of the probe.
The inquiry is focused on the union's financial chain: money that flowed from the NJEA to a union-affiliated super PAC called Garden State Forward, and then to a second super PAC, Working New Jersey, which was run by former NJEA officers. Working New Jersey spent the funds on advertising and other expenses promoting Spiller in the June 2025 Democratic primary, while Spiller's own campaign raised and spent comparatively little.
Three of the people said several individuals connected to Working New Jersey have received subpoenas. One person familiar with the investigation said at least one subpoena was issued by the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Jersey. The four people were granted anonymity to discuss a politically sensitive matter.
Details remain scarce, including what specific legal violations, if any, investigators are pursuing. The people said the probe centers on the union's spending of roughly $40 million of its own funds to help Spiller.
The investigation raises questions about the influence of union money in New Jersey elections and the transparency of political spending routed through super PACs. The NJEA is the state's largest teachers union, and its members' dues fund the organization's operations. The union has not publicly commented on the probe.
Spiller, who led the NJEA before launching his gubernatorial bid, was among the Democrats competing in the 2025 primary. The race was ultimately won by Mikie Sherrill, now the Democratic nominee for governor.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in New Jersey has not confirmed or denied the investigation. No charges have been announced.