As of the July 29 deadline for filing as an independent presidential candidate in New Jersey, eight candidates have filed to appear on the ballot. The list includes Chase Oliver, Claudia De la Cruz, Jill Stein, Peter Sonski, Rachele Fruit, Randall Terry, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Shiva Ayyadurai.
Requirements for Independent Candidates
Independent candidates must gather 800 signatures and secure fourteen valid electors to qualify for the New Jersey ballot. Each state sets its own ballot access laws, which typically involve collecting a specific number of signatures or paying a filing fee. Therefore, candidates need to meet these requirements well in advance of primaries, caucuses, and the general election to ensure their place on the ballot.
Candidate Profiles
Chase Oliver
Chase Oliver, a Libertarian from Atlanta, advocates for individual rights and limited government. His activism began with opposition to the Iraq War, leading him to run for Congress and the U.S. Senate. Additionally, Oliver supports Ranked Choice Voting to prevent runoff elections.
Claudia De la Cruz
Meanwhile, Claudia De la Cruz, running with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, focuses on social justice. Delacruz is a popular educator and activist who fights for workers’ rights and an end to U.S. imperialism.
Jill Stein
In contrast, Jill Stein, the Green Party candidate, aims to offer an alternative to the two-party system with a platform centered on worker rights, climate action, and anti-war policies. Stein ran for president in 2016 and received a modest share of the vote.
Peter Sonski
Peter Sonski, the American Solidarity Party candidate, has a background in journalism, public relations, and education. Based in Connecticut, Sonski supports pro-life policies, family assistance, and community development. Though he has previously been identified as both a Democrat and a Republican, Sonski has been unaffiliated for over 20 years. His faith influences his views on public policy, particularly regarding life and social justice issues.
Rachele Fruit
Rachele Fruit, the Socialist Workers Party candidate, has a long history of socialist activism. Based in Miami, Fruit has participated in protests against the Vietnam War and apartheid. She continues to advocate for socialist policies and has run for office on this platform since the 1970s. Fruit has also been vocal in her support for Israel and the Jewish people.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmentalist and member of the Kennedy family, left the Democratic Party to run as an independent. Kennedy has been a prominent environmental advocate and received multiple awards for his work.
Randall Terry
Randall Terry is an American politician and activist who founded Operation Rescue, an anti-abortion organization known for blockading clinic entrances. Leading the group from 1987 to 1991, Terry has been arrested more than 40 times, including for violating a no-trespass order at the University of Notre Dame during a protest against President Barack Obama. He is recognized for his extensive anti-abortion activism.
Shiva Ayyadurai
Finally, Shiva Ayyadurai is Indian-American engineer, politician, entrepreneur, and anti-vaccine activist. He has become known for promoting conspiracy theories, pseudoscience, and unfounded medical claims. He faces scrutiny over his eligibility due to his naturalized citizenship.
