According to NJ ELEC Executive Director Jeff Brindle, "Even in the down years, the business of lobbying remains a major enterprise in the Garden State." And in 2021, that enterprise saw $93.7 million in total spending.

The candidates combined to spend nearly $49 million, according to the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission. Outside groups spent another $41.7 million, for total expenditures of $90.6 million.

Data from the state’s campaign finance watchdog NJELEC show independent groups spent $13.4 million for the primaries in the governor's race, and nearly $25.2 million for the general election.

And according to a report from New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, most of it comes from independent groups not officially affiliated with either candidate.