‘Freedom And Empathy’: NJ Libertarian Governor Candidate Ramps Up 2025 Campaign

“Freedom and empathy.” That’s the tagline Vic Kaplan is hoping will resonate with voters as he gears up his campaign for New Jersey governor in 2025.

Kaplan – who has taken up the call as the New Jersey Libertarian Party’s gubernatorial candidate – is among the politicos who are hoping to replace outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy, who faces a term limit and can’t run again this year.

Kaplan is running on a campaign platform that includes taxes, civil liberties, law enforcement, health care, education, labor rights, housing, gun rights and immigration. Learn more here.

According to his campaign website, some of Kaplan’s proposals and stances include:

• Taxes – “Vic's flagship [proposal] aims to end the state income tax (in existence since 1976) within four years, joining eight other states that do not currently have an income tax (to be replaced with user fees). Vic will also move to end the state sales tax (in existence since 1966) within four years, joining five other states without a state sales tax.” (Watch Kaplan speak about his plans to repeal the state income tax here)
• Free Speech – “Vic will defend your right to free speech under the First Amendment, including your right to criticize any level of government, within or beyond our borders.”
• Abortion – “Vic believes in a woman's right to seek an abortion in New Jersey, but opposes use of taxpayers to fund the procedure.”
• Business Tax Breaks – “Vic will eliminate all corporate welfare and tax credits for corporations.”
• Immigration Enforcement – “Vic will enforce the U.S. Constitution on New Jersey soil by making the presence of ICE null and void … Vic opposes the collectivism of bigotry that comes from the targeting and scapegoating of undocumented migrants.” (Watch Kaplan speak about his plans to "end ICE deportations in the state of New Jersey" and have agents "deported on sight to Washington D.C. here)
• Qualified Immunity – “Vic believes that no individual should be above the law and is a proponent of ending qualified immunity for state police.”
• Gun Rights – “Vic stands with your right to self-defense.”

There were 24,026 voters registered with the New Jersey Libertarian Party as of Aug. 1, making it the largest third-party in the state. There are also 2.31 million unaffiliated voters, according to state election data.

The general election takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Learn more about voting in New Jersey here.

• See Related: Libertarians Standing Tall As Largest Third-Party In New Jersey

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Kaplan and his running mate, Bruno Pereira, recently told Patch about the “biggest challenges” that they feel New Jersey faces right now – and their plans to tackle them if elected.

Here’s what they had to say:

VIC KAPLAN – “The biggest challenge facing New Jersey is affordability. Millions of people are struggling to make their ends meet. I support making housing more affordable by removing the impact fees (taxes) on smaller-size houses. I support changing the zoning laws to allow for affordable housing, such as tiny homes and RVs. This would help reduce homelessness. Also, I support changing the zoning laws and using the abandoned commercial and residential houses to house the homeless. I support making health care more affordable by ending the certificate of need laws (CON) that reduce the number of hospital beds and increase the cost of medical services. I support gradually repealing the state income tax, which would save thousands of dollars for every working resident, and allow for a significant reduction in property taxes, which are the highest in the nation. The state income tax is to be replaced with user fees, with toll roads being an example. Currently, nine states do not have a state income tax. Local governments would be free either to significantly reduce their property taxes and/or use the saved money for other purposes. Finally, I support lowering the energy prices, by letting the people choose their own company, just like they do with auto insurance.”

BRUNO PEREIRA – “The biggest challenge in New Jersey is the affordability crisis and high taxation. New Jersey currently stands as one of the most expensive states in America, and for good reason. The multiple decades of inaction and corruption at the state level led to a system of many ineffective systems. Energy costs, Cadillac pensions, housing costs, and overall cost of living have been escalating for decades. The solution to these problems is to remove the government from those same systems that they broke. Energy production and delivery would benefit from decentralization and from fewer mandates. Mandates that create energy shortages and investments in less effective energies. Energy shortages are also made worse thanks to mandates, like the [electric vehicle] mandates. Therefore, the elimination of many of these mandates would free up the energy market and would allow for an energy surplus. Red tape and over regulation also hurt other businesses such as housing. Much of the regulations and red tape were implemented with the sole purpose of generating revenue for the state and municipalities. However, they hurt progress and the ability of individuals to build and develop their own land. The elimination of many regulations and red tape would allow for a more efficient housing market. Finally, the elimination of the state income tax. Which is one of the most regressive taxes that we pay. State income tax is a penalty for those who are productive and generate economic input. We should not penalize people for working and being productive members of society.”

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