Hans Herberg
Hans Herberg (Republican Party) ran for election for Governor of New Jersey. He lost as a write-in in the Republican primary on June 10, 2025.
Herberg completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Hans Herberg was born in Trenton, New Jersey. He graduated from Cranford High School. Herberg received a bachelor's degree from Mitchell College in 2011. Herberg's professional experience includes working in retail management, sales and retail operations, hospitality, customer service, media, and tech repair. He has been a member of Young Americans for Liberty.[1][2]
Elections
2025
See also: New Jersey gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2025
General election
General election for Governor of New Jersey
Mikie Sherrill, Jack Ciattarelli, Vic Kaplan, and Joanne Kuniansky are running in the general election for Governor of New Jersey on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | ||
![]() | Mikie Sherrill (D) | |
![]() | Jack Ciattarelli (R) | |
![]() | Vic Kaplan (L) | |
Joanne Kuniansky (Socialist Workers Party) |
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Karen Zaletel (Independent)
- Lily Benavides (G)
- Stephen Zielinski (G)
- Gerardo Cedrone (Independent)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Governor of New Jersey
The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for Governor of New Jersey on June 10, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Mikie Sherrill | 34.0 | 286,244 |
![]() | Ras Baraka | 20.7 | 173,951 | |
![]() | Steve Fulop | 16.0 | 134,573 | |
![]() | Josh Gottheimer | 11.6 | 97,384 | |
![]() | Sean Spiller | 10.6 | 89,472 | |
![]() | Stephen Sweeney | 7.1 | 59,811 |
Total votes: 841,435 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Governor of New Jersey
The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Governor of New Jersey on June 10, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Jack Ciattarelli | 67.8 | 316,283 |
![]() | Bill Spadea | 21.7 | 101,408 | |
![]() | Jon Bramnick | 6.2 | 29,130 | |
![]() | Mario Kranjac | 2.7 | 12,782 | |
![]() | Justin Barbera | 1.4 | 6,743 | |
![]() | Hans Herberg (Write-in) ![]() | 0.0 | 0 |
Total votes: 466,346 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- James Fazzone (R)
- Roger Bacon (R)
- Monica Brinson (R)
- Robert Canfield (R)
- Edward R. Durr (R)
Endorsements
Herberg received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.
2021
See also: New Jersey General Assembly elections, 2021
General election
General election for New Jersey General Assembly District 22 (2 seats)
Incumbent Linda Carter and incumbent James Kennedy defeated David Sypher and Hans Herberg in the general election for New Jersey General Assembly District 22 on November 2, 2021.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Linda Carter (D) | 31.3 | 32,267 | |
✔ | ![]() | James Kennedy (D) | 30.6 | 31,593 |
![]() | David Sypher (R) | 19.2 | 19,825 | |
![]() | Hans Herberg (R) ![]() | 18.9 | 19,546 |
Total votes: 103,231 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 22 (2 seats)
Incumbent Linda Carter and incumbent James Kennedy advanced from the Democratic primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 22 on June 8, 2021.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Linda Carter | 51.4 | 10,596 | |
✔ | ![]() | James Kennedy | 48.6 | 10,013 |
Total votes: 20,609 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 22 (2 seats)
David Sypher and Hans Herberg advanced from the Republican primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 22 on June 8, 2021.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | David Sypher | 50.6 | 3,800 |
✔ | ![]() | Hans Herberg ![]() | 49.4 | 3,704 |
Total votes: 7,504 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Hans Herberg completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Herberg's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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|I’m running for governor because I believe in smaller government, lower taxes, and repealing the state income tax to ease the financial burden on New Jerseyans. I’m a strong supporter of law enforcement and will ensure our police officers have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.
I am dedicated to protecting parental rights, including medical freedom and expanding school choice so families have more control over their children’s education. My values of honesty, integrity, family, faith, and hard work will guide my leadership.
I’m not running to serve the political elite; I’m running to represent you, the people of New Jersey. Together, we can restore prosperity, safety, and opportunity to our state.- Smaller Government and Fiscal Responsibility "I am committed to reducing the size of government and cutting unnecessary taxes, including repealing the state income tax. New Jersey residents deserve more financial freedom, and I will work to make state government more efficient and accountable to the people."
- Support for Law Enforcement and Public Safety "Our communities need strong leadership that supports law enforcement and ensures our police officers have the resources they need to keep us safe. I will always prioritize public safety and stand by our brave men and women in uniform."
- Empowering Families with Parental Rights and School Choice "I believe in protecting parental rights, especially when it comes to education and medical freedom. Parents should have the power to make decisions for their children, whether it’s about their health or their schooling. I’ll work to expand school choice so families can choose the best education for their children."
I also look up to my parents, who have been my greatest supporters. They fought for my education and never gave up on me, even when others doubted my potential because of my learning disabilities. Their perseverance, sacrifice, and belief in me taught me the importance of fighting for what’s right, no matter the odds.
To understand my political philosophy, I would recommend exploring the works of Ron Paul and Rand Paul, as they align closely with my values of limited government, individual freedom, and personal responsibility.
A great starting point is "The Revolution: A Manifesto" by Ron Paul, which outlines his commitment to liberty, free markets, and reducing federal power. This resonates with my stance on cutting taxes, reducing government intervention, and giving individuals more freedom to make decisions for themselves.
Additionally, Rand Paul’s "The Case for Liberty" dives into the importance of personal freedoms, limiting government control, and advocating for policies that empower individuals. His views on education and healthcare, particularly regarding school choice and medical freedom, align closely with my own priorities.
For anyone interested in the economic principles that underpin my vision, I recommend "Economics in One Lesson" by Henry Hazlitt. This book emphasizes the importance of free markets and the negative consequences of government overreach, which directly ties into my desire to repeal the state income tax and create an environment where businesses and families can thrive.
Finally, Frédéric Bastiat’s "The Law" offers timeless wisdom on the need to protect individual rights and the dangers of excessive government power, which is a principle I firmly believe in.
I also value honesty and accountability in all aspects of my life. As someone who believes in smaller government and fiscal responsibility, I will work to ensure that the people of New Jersey have a government that operates with transparency, uses taxpayer dollars wisely, and serves their best interests.
Additionally, my experience as a leader in campus safety and my education in criminal justice have given me a deep understanding of law enforcement, public safety, and the need for community-based solutions to challenges. These experiences also taught me the importance of listening to others, collaborating, and finding common ground to move forward, all of which are essential for effective governance.
I hope to leave behind a state where families feel financially secure, businesses thrive, and children have access to quality education that prepares them for success. I want to be someone who fought for parental rights, worked to repeal the state income tax, and made New Jersey a place where people could keep more of their hard-earned money.
But more than anything, I want my legacy to reflect a commitment to honesty and accountability in government. I want people to look back and see that I led with integrity, never compromising on doing what’s right, even when it wasn’t easy.
Returning to the United States, I faced challenges adjusting, but I was proud to be both a Norwegian and an American. I graduated from Cranford High School in 2006, earning my diploma, and later went on to graduate in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. My journey was a testament to perseverance and the unwavering support of my family and friends. Achieving those milestones made them, especially my parents, incredibly proud.
Working in campus safety also gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by communities in maintaining security while respecting individual rights. It reinforced my commitment to supporting law enforcement and ensuring that public safety is a top priority, whether on campus or across New Jersey.
I also appreciate how the book challenges conventional political thinking and encourages readers to critically examine the role of government in their lives. It aligns with my belief that we need to prioritize personal responsibility, reduce government overreach, and empower individuals to succeed on their own terms.
I think the combination of his strength, character, and commitment to doing what’s right would be a great example to follow as a leader.
Despite the doubts others had, I worked hard, pushed through the difficulties, and graduated from Cranford High School in 2006, then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice in 2011. The struggle taught me the value of perseverance, hard work, and the importance of advocating for yourself and others who face similar challenges.
Fiscal management is critical—New Jersey has one of the highest tax burdens in the country, and I believe it’s the governor’s duty to rein in spending and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used wisely. This includes repealing the state income tax, cutting wasteful spending, and creating a more efficient government that works for the people.
Public safety is another top priority. As governor, I would strongly support law enforcement and ensure that police officers have the resources they need to protect communities. The governor must ensure that crime is tackled effectively and that citizens feel safe in their own homes and neighborhoods.
Finally, education is key. I’m passionate about giving parents more control over their children’s education through school choice and ensuring that every child in New Jersey has access to quality education. The governor should work to expand opportunities for families, whether it’s through public, charter, or private schools, and protect parental rights in making decisions about their children’s education.
As governor, I would ensure that the budget reflects the values of fiscal responsibility, efficiency, and accountability. This means pushing for a budget that prioritizes essential services like public safety and education, while cutting unnecessary programs and reducing wasteful spending. I believe the governor should have the power to propose a budget that aligns with the goals of lower taxes and smaller government, and work with the legislature to ensure it reflects the needs of the people.
Additionally, the governor should have the authority to veto spending that doesn’t meet these criteria or doesn’t align with the state's long-term economic health. Transparency throughout the budgeting process is key, and the people should know exactly how their tax dollars are being spent.
When I review the state budget, I will look for unnecessary programs, pork-barrel spending, and excessive funding for initiatives that do not directly benefit the people of New Jersey. If there are items in the budget that do not meet the needs of the people or contribute to the state’s long-term economic health, I will not hesitate to veto those line items.
At the same time, I believe in supporting critical areas like public safety, education, and infrastructure—areas that directly impact the daily lives of New Jerseyans. My goal would be to protect funding for programs that make a real difference while eliminating waste in other parts of the budget.
I believe in working closely with the legislature to craft legislation that is both fiscally responsible and in the best interest of New Jersey families. That means open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to work across party lines to find common ground on key issues such as tax reform, education, and public safety.
At the same time, the governor must be a strong advocate for the people. If the legislature proposes policies that are inefficient, overly burdensome, or against the interests of New Jerseyans, the governor must use their veto power and work with lawmakers to make necessary changes. It’s about finding a balance between collaboration and holding the legislature accountable for decisions that impact the state’s future.
I also love New Jersey’s rich history and innovation. We’ve contributed so much to the nation—whether in technology, industry, or culture—and we have a strong foundation for continuing that legacy. As a proud New Jersey resident, I am passionate about ensuring that our state remains a place where families, businesses, and individuals can thrive, and where we protect the core values that make New Jersey special: freedom, hard work, and community spirit.
The high cost of living and taxes is one of our biggest obstacles. With some of the highest property taxes and a state income tax that burdens families and businesses, New Jerseyans are struggling to make ends meet. Repealing the state income tax and cutting unnecessary spending will be key to reducing the financial burden on residents and making New Jersey more affordable for everyone.
Another challenge is public safety. While New Jersey is generally safe, we must ensure that our law enforcement agencies are properly supported and equipped to tackle crime, especially in urban areas. Strengthening community-police relations and providing the resources our officers need will be critical to ensuring our families feel safe and secure.
Lastly, we must address the issue of education. Our public schools must provide a quality education to every child, regardless of background or neighborhood. Expanding school choice and giving parents more control over their children's education will ensure that all children have access to opportunities that prepare them for success in the future.
In cases of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or major flooding, or public health emergencies that pose an immediate threat to the safety and health of New Jerseyans, the governor should have the authority to act swiftly and decisively to protect lives and ensure access to necessary resources.
However, the use of emergency powers must always be temporary, with clear limits, and subject to oversight by the legislature. After the initial response phase, it is critical that powers be returned to the legislature, ensuring the people’s voice is heard and that any continued actions are backed by legislative approval.
As Governor, I would work to make state budgeting and spending more transparent by implementing clear, accessible reports and audits. I’d also push for stricter oversight on how taxpayer money is allocated to ensure it is being used efficiently and effectively.
Advantages:
Increased citizen engagement: The ballot initiative process would empower New Jerseyans by giving them a direct voice in shaping policy on issues that matter to them, fostering a sense of ownership over state decisions.
Direct democracy: It can help bypass gridlock in the legislature, allowing for quicker action on issues that might be delayed or ignored by lawmakers.
Reinforcing accountability: Citizens would be able to hold lawmakers accountable by passing laws they believe are in the public’s best interest, rather than relying on politicians who may have conflicting interests.
Challenges:
Potential for poorly designed laws: While the initiative process allows for direct democracy, it also risks passing poorly crafted or overly broad laws that could have unintended consequences. Complex policy decisions might not be best suited for a yes/no vote without proper legislative review.
Special interest influence: Ballot initiatives can be vulnerable to heavy spending by special interest groups, which could sway public opinion on key issues, leading to laws that don’t necessarily reflect the will of the majority.
A governor must prioritize fiscal responsibility, ensuring that taxpayer money is spent wisely and that the government operates within its means. It’s about making decisions that lead to long-term prosperity, safety, and opportunity for all New Jerseyans.
The governor must also be a leader who listens to the concerns of the people, values their input, and takes action to address the most pressing issues. From supporting law enforcement to empowering parents with choices in education, a governor should stand firmly on principles of individual freedom, limited government, and community values.
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.
2021
Hans Herberg completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Herberg's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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|- Lowering our Property Taxes
- Supporting our Entrepreneurs
- Providing Choice to our parents and students
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 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.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes