Bruno Pereira

Bruno Pereira (Libertarian Party) is running for election for Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.^[source]

Biography

Bruno Pereira earned a high school diploma from Queen of Peace High School. He earned an associate degree from Bergen Community College in 2015, a bachelor's degree from Southern New Hampshire University in 2019, and a graduate degree from Arizona State University in 2022. His career experience includes working in financial services. Pereira has been affiliated with Phi Theta Kappa.^[1]

Elections

2025

General election

The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.

General election for Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey

Dale Caldwell, James Gannon, Bruno Pereira, and Craig Honts are running in the general election for Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
		Dale Caldwell (D)
		James Gannon (R)
		Bruno Pereira (L)
	Submit photo	Craig Honts (Socialist Workers Party)

	There are no incumbents in this race.
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Endorsements

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2024

New Jersey's 9th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 4 Democratic primary)

New Jersey's 9th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 4 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House New Jersey District 9

Nellie Pou defeated Billy Prempeh, Benjamin Taylor, and Bruno Pereira in the general election for U.S. House New Jersey District 9 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Nellie Pou (D)	50.8	130,514
	Billy Prempeh (R)	45.9	117,939
	Benjamin Taylor (G)	2.0	5,027
	Bruno Pereira (L)	1.4	3,533

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 257,013
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Bill Pascrell (D)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 9

Incumbent Bill Pascrell defeated Mohamed Khairullah in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 9 on June 4, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Bill Pascrell	76.1	26,514
	Mohamed Khairullah	23.9	8,328

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 34,842
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

William Henry (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 9

Billy Prempeh defeated Hector Castillo in the Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 9 on June 4, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Billy Prempeh	72.6	11,504
	Hector Castillo	27.4	4,352

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 15,856
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Vincent Micco (R)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Pereira in this election.

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

Bruno Pereira has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2025 Candidate Connection survey. If you are Bruno Pereira, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2025 Candidate Connection survey.

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2024

Bruno Pereira completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Pereira's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a dedicated candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s District 9, running as a Libertarian with a clear vision for change. Having worked in financial services for nearly 20 years and holding advanced degrees in Leadership and Management, I understand the economic challenges we face. As someone who immigrated to the U.S. at 17, lived in Newark, and built a life here, I’m passionate about improving opportunities for everyone in our district.

I’m not a career politician. My campaign is driven by a desire to bring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and a commitment to free-market principles to Washington, focusing on the economy and inflation.

What drives me is the belief that we deserve leadership that fights for the people, not for the political establishment. I'm running to pull the plug on the status quo and bring fresh solutions to our district and beyond.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Restoring Fiscal Responsibility: Decades of reckless spending have driven our economy into uncertainty. I will advocate for responsible budgeting, reduced government waste, and policies that support a thriving free market—ensuring a stable future for New Jersey families.
Government Transparency and Accountability: It's time to hold Washington accountable. I will fight for transparency in government operations, pushing for policies that allow the public to see where their tax dollars go and ensuring leaders work for the people, not special interests.
End the Two-Party Gridlock: The two-party system has failed us, leading to stagnation and broken promises. I’m running to pull the plug on the establishment and bring real representation back to the people. It's time for fresh voices that put constituents first, not party politics.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about several key areas of public policy that directly impact our district. First, I am focused on economic reform and inflation—advocating for reduced government spending, lower inflation, and promoting fiscal responsibility to ensure a stable economy for all. Second, I believe in free market principles to drive innovation and create jobs. By reducing regulations and promoting small businesses, we can strengthen our economy. Lastly, government transparency and accountability is crucial. I will fight to ensure the public has full visibility into how tax dollars are spent and hold leaders accountable to the people, not special interests.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics for an elected official include integrity—making decisions transparently and honestly, with the people’s best interests at heart. Accountability is crucial; they must take responsibility for their actions and remain answerable to their constituents. A strong commitment to public service ensures they are motivated by the desire to improve their community, not personal gain. Fiscal responsibility is essential to manage resources wisely and promote economic stability. Finally, adaptability and vision are key, allowing them to respond to challenges while working toward long-term goals that benefit the public.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy of meaningful change that empowered individuals and restored trust in government. My goal is to be remembered as someone who fought tirelessly for economic freedom, fiscal responsibility, and transparency in governance. I want to create a system where individuals have the opportunity to thrive through free markets and limited government intervention, where taxes are lower, and public spending is carefully monitored to prevent waste and inefficiency.

I also hope to be known as someone who worked to bridge divides, fostering civil discourse and bringing people together across political lines for the common good. My legacy would be one where government is accountable, the economy is robust and fair, and future generations have the freedom and opportunities they deserve.

Ultimately, I want people to look back and see that my efforts contributed to a government that serves its people better—by reducing unnecessary interference and focusing on what truly matters: liberty, accountability, and opportunity for all.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could be any fictional character, I would choose a blend of Superman and Wolverine. Superman represents the ideal of strength, integrity, and unwavering dedication to doing what’s right, no matter the cost. His sense of responsibility and desire to protect others resonates with me. On the other hand, Wolverine embodies resilience and determination. He’s a fighter, always pushing forward despite the challenges and scars he bears. Combining their traits—Superman's moral compass and Wolverine's relentless spirit—captures the balance of compassion, strength, and perseverance that I strive for in both life and leadership.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I do not support traditional term limits because they can create unintended consequences. Instead, I believe in fostering incentive structures that encourage elected officials to act in the best interest of their constituents, regardless of how long they serve.

Term limits often push out experienced leaders who have valuable knowledge, while empowering unelected bureaucrats and lobbyists who remain in power behind the scenes. Instead, I advocate for greater transparency, regular audits, and accountability measures to ensure officials stay aligned with their voters. Ultimately, it’s not the length of service but the quality of representation that matters most.

What committees interest you?

The two committees that most interest me are the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, both of which align with my focus on economic reform, fiscal responsibility, and government transparency.

The House Committee on Financial Services oversees critical areas like banking, insurance, and securities markets. In an era where government overreach stifles innovation and growth, I see this committee as a platform to advocate for free-market solutions that encourage competition and innovation. By focusing on reducing unnecessary regulations, we can empower financial institutions to grow while ensuring that consumers are protected in a balanced, responsible manner. A healthy financial system, driven by market forces rather than bureaucratic interference, is essential for long-term economic prosperity.

The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability is equally important, as it is tasked with ensuring that the government operates efficiently and transparently. With growing concerns about waste, fraud, and abuse, this committee provides a vital check on the federal government’s operations. I would push for more robust accountability measures, regular audits, and public reporting to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Government transparency not only builds trust with the public but also prevents inefficiency and corruption. Serving on this committee would allow me to advocate for a government that is accountable to the people, prioritizing responsible governance over political interests.

Together, these committees would enable me to pursue my goals of fostering a freer economy and a more transparent, accountable government.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability are essential for a functioning democracy. Citizens deserve to know how their tax dollars are spent, and ensuring this requires accessible, clear reporting on all government expenditures. Regular audits should be mandatory, with results made public to prevent waste and corruption. Reducing bureaucracy also aids in minimizing inefficiencies and making oversight easier. Public officials must be held to the highest ethical standards, with strong consequences for violations. Through transparency, open data, and accountability, we can rebuild trust and ensure the government truly serves the people.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign website

Pereira’s campaign website stated the following:

“

The Case for Fiscal Responsibility: Securing Our Future
Bruno Pereira

In an era where government spending has reached unprecedented levels, the importance of fiscal responsibility cannot be overstated. Our nation faces a growing debt crisis, fueled by unchecked spending, wasteful programs, and a lack of accountability. This unsustainable path not only threatens our economic stability but also burdens future generations with the consequences of today's reckless financial decisions. It's time to take a stand for fiscal responsibility and secure a prosperous future for all Americans.

The U.S. national debt has soared past $33 trillion, a staggering figure that continues to grow each day. This level of debt is not just a number; it represents a significant threat to our nation's economic health. As the government borrows more money to fund its operations, interest payments on this debt consume an increasing share of the federal budget, leaving less money for essential services and investments in the future.

Moreover, runaway government spending has led to rising inflation, which erodes the purchasing power of everyday Americans. Prices for goods and services have skyrocketed, making it harder for families to make ends meet. From groceries to housing, the cost of living continues to climb, while wages struggle to keep pace. This is the direct result of fiscal irresponsibility at the highest levels of government.

Economic Stability: When the government spends within its means, it fosters a stable economic environment. This stability is crucial for businesses to invest, grow, and create jobs. It also helps keep inflation in check, ensuring that the value of our money remains consistent over time.
Reduced Tax Burden: Fiscal responsibility can lead to lower taxes for individuals and businesses. When the government controls its spending, it requires less revenue from taxpayers. This means more money in the pockets of hardworking Americans, allowing them to save, invest, and spend as they see fit.
Protecting Future Generations: Every dollar the government borrows today is a dollar that must be repaid by future generations. By practicing fiscal responsibility now, we can reduce the burden of debt on our children and grandchildren, ensuring they inherit a nation that is financially strong and capable of meeting its obligations.
Enhanced National Security: A strong economy is essential for national security. When our government is fiscally responsible, it can allocate resources effectively to defend our nation and maintain our global standing. Conversely, a debt-ridden government is less capable of responding to threats and crises.

To achieve fiscal responsibility, we must take several key steps:

Reduce Government Spending: It’s time to scrutinize federal programs and eliminate wasteful and unnecessary spending. Every dollar spent by the government should be justified and should contribute to the public good.
Tax Reform: A simpler, fairer tax code that encourages economic growth and ensures everyone pays their fair share is essential. By reducing tax loopholes and lowering rates, we can create an environment that fosters innovation and investment.
Balanced Budget Amendment: To prevent future fiscal crises, we must enshrine fiscal responsibility into law. A balanced budget amendment would require the government to live within its means, just as American families do.

Fiscal responsibility is not just a policy choice; it is a moral imperative. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren to manage our nation's finances wisely. The time to act is now. By reducing spending, reforming taxes, and ensuring long-term financial stability, we can secure a brighter future for all Americans.

Let’s #PullThePlug on wasteful government spending and demand accountability from our leaders. Together, we can build an economy that works for everyone and secures the American Dream for generations to come.

Transparency in Government: Why It Matters
Bruno Pereira

Transparency in Government: Why It Matters

Transparency in government is not just a buzzword; it is a fundamental pillar of a healthy democracy. It ensures that citizens have access to the information they need to hold their elected officials accountable and to make informed decisions about their government. In this blog post, we will explore why transparency is so critical and how it can lead to better governance, increased trust, and a more engaged citizenry.

Ensuring Accountability

One of the primary benefits of transparency in government is accountability. When government actions and decisions are open to public scrutiny, it becomes much harder for officials to engage in corruption, mismanagement, or other unethical behaviors. Transparency acts as a deterrent, ensuring that those in power are constantly aware that their actions are being watched and evaluated by the public. This can lead to more ethical decision-making and a government that truly serves the people.

Building Trust

Trust in government is essential for the effective functioning of any democracy. Unfortunately, trust in government has been eroding in recent years due to scandals, corruption, and a lack of transparency. By making government operations more transparent, we can begin to rebuild this trust. When citizens can see the processes and reasoning behind government decisions, they are more likely to believe that those decisions are being made in their best interests. This trust is crucial for fostering a sense of community and cooperation between the government and the people it serves.

Enhancing Citizen Engagement

Transparency also plays a vital role in enhancing citizen engagement. When government information is readily available, citizens are more likely to participate in the democratic process. This participation can take many forms, from voting in elections to engaging in public discourse and advocacy. A transparent government empowers citizens by providing them with the knowledge they need to advocate for their interests and hold their representatives accountable. This leads to a more vibrant and responsive democracy.

Promoting Efficiency and Effectiveness

Transparent government operations can also lead to greater efficiency and effectiveness. When government processes are open to public scrutiny, there is a greater incentive to streamline operations and eliminate waste. Additionally, transparency allows for greater public input and feedback, which can lead to better-informed decisions and more effective policies. By involving citizens in the decision-making process, governments can benefit from a wider range of perspectives and expertise.

Real-Life Examples

The importance of transparency can be seen in various real-life examples. Consider the Electric School Bus Fiasco, where Congress allocated $5 billion but only delivered 60 school buses. This lack of transparency and accountability resulted in significant public funds being wasted. Such examples highlight the need for greater transparency to ensure that government spending is efficient and effective.

Another example is the impact of transparency on local government projects. In communities where local governments have implemented open data initiatives, there has been a noticeable improvement in project management and public satisfaction. These initiatives allow citizens to track the progress of public projects, provide feedback, and ensure that funds are being used appropriately.

Conclusion

In conclusion, transparency in government is essential for ensuring accountability, building trust, enhancing citizen engagement, and promoting efficiency and effectiveness. It is a fundamental component of a healthy democracy that allows citizens to hold their elected officials accountable and to make informed decisions about their government. By prioritizing transparency, we can create a government that truly serves the people and works towards the common good. It’s time to #PullThePlug on opaque government practices and embrace a culture of openness and accountability. Join me in advocating for transparency and building a brighter future for our community and our country.

Educational Reform: The Case for School Choice
Bruno Pereira

Education is the cornerstone of a thriving society. However, since the establishment of the U.S. Department of Education in 1979, there has been growing concern about the overall performance and effectiveness of our public education system. Despite substantial federal funding and numerous reform efforts, student achievement has stagnated, and educational outcomes remain troublingly low. It’s time to explore alternative solutions, such as school choice, to revitalize our education system and ensure every child receives a quality education.

Since its inception, the Department of Education has aimed to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. Despite these noble goals, the reality has been less than promising. Key indicators of educational performance, such as standardized test scores and graduation rates, have shown little improvement over the decades.

Stagnant Test Scores: National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores, often referred to as the "Nation’s Report Card," have shown minimal progress in reading and math since the 1980s. Many students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, continue to perform below proficiency levels.
High Dropout Rates: Dropout rates remain a significant concern, with many students failing to complete high school. This issue is particularly pronounced in urban areas where schools struggle to provide adequate support and resources.
Achievement Gaps: Disparities in educational outcomes persist among different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. These achievement gaps highlight the inequities that continue to plague the education system, despite federal interventions.

School choice offers a compelling alternative to the traditional public school system. By empowering parents to choose the best educational setting for their children, school choice can drive competition, foster innovation, and ultimately improve educational outcomes. Here are some key benefits of school choice:

Increased Competition: When schools must compete for students, they are incentivized to improve their performance. This competition can lead to higher academic standards, better teaching practices, and more effective use of resources.
Tailored Education: School choice allows parents to select schools that best meet their child's unique needs, whether they require specialized programs, smaller class sizes, or a particular educational philosophy. This tailored approach can enhance student engagement and achievement.
Innovation and Flexibility: School choice encourages the development of diverse educational models, from charter schools to magnet schools and online academies. This diversity fosters innovation and provides students with more varied learning experiences.
Empowering Parents: By giving parents the ability to choose their child's school, we empower them to take an active role in their child's education. This involvement can lead to better student outcomes and a stronger partnership between parents and educators.
Cost-Effective Solutions: School choice can lead to more efficient use of educational funds. When schools are held accountable for their performance and must compete for funding, they are more likely to allocate resources effectively and focus on delivering high-quality education.

The poor performance of the U.S. education system since the establishment of the Department of Education calls for a reevaluation of our approach to education. School choice presents a viable solution that can address the shortcomings of the current system by fostering competition, encouraging innovation, and empowering parents.

It’s time to prioritize the needs of students and ensure every child has access to a high-quality education. By embracing school choice, we can create a more dynamic, effective, and equitable education system that prepares our children for success in the 21st century.

Join me in advocating for school choice and educational reform. Together, we can build a brighter future for all students. #EducationReform #SchoolChoice #PullThePlug #BetterSchools #StudentSuccess^[2]

”

—Bruno Pereira’s campaign website (2024)^[3]

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Bruno Pereira campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House New Jersey District 9	Lost general	$0	N/A**
Grand total			$0	N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 7, 2024
↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
↑ Bruno Pereira’s campaign website, “Issues,” accessed October 24, 2024

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 7, 2024

[quotedisclaimer-2] Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[3] Bruno Pereira’s campaign website, “Issues,” accessed October 24, 2024

[1]

[2]

[3]

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Bruno Pereira

Contents

Biography

Elections

2025

General election

General election for Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey

Endorsements

2024

General election

General election for U.S. House New Jersey District 9

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 9

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 9

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

2024

Campaign website

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

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Public Policy

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Get Engaged

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