Stephen Zielinski

Stephen Zielinski (Green Party) ran for election for Governor of New Jersey. He will not appear on the ballot for the general election on November 4, 2025.

Zielinski (independent) also ran for election to the New Jersey General Assembly to represent District 12. He will not appear on the ballot for the general election on November 4, 2025.

Zielinski completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Stephen Zielinski was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He earned a high school diploma from Linden High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College. His career experience includes working as a solar sales consultant.^[1]

Elections

2025

Governor

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)
	Submit photo	Joanne Kuniansky (Socialist Workers Party)

	There are no incumbents in this race.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

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

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	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

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 466,346
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

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General Assembly

General election

General election for New Jersey General Assembly District 12 (2 seats)

Incumbent Robert Clifton, incumbent Alex Sauickie, Kyler Dineen, and Freshta Taeb are running in the general election for New Jersey General Assembly District 12 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
		Robert Clifton (R)
	Submit photo	Alex Sauickie (R)
	Submit photo	Kyler Dineen (D)
		Freshta Taeb (D)

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Stephen Zielinski (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 12 (2 seats)

Kyler Dineen and Freshta Taeb advanced from the Democratic primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 12 on June 10, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Kyler Dineen	52.3	10,769
✔		Freshta Taeb	47.7	9,831

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 20,600
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 12 (2 seats)

Incumbent Robert Clifton and incumbent Alex Sauickie advanced from the Republican primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 12 on June 10, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Robert Clifton	53.1	13,683
✔	Submit photo	Alex Sauickie	46.9	12,100

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 25,783
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

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2015

See also: New Jersey General Assembly elections, 2015

Elections for the New Jersey General Assembly took place in 2015. A primary election was held on June 2, 2015. The general election took place on November 3, 2015. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 30, 2015.^[2] Since the general assembly uses multi-member districts, the top two candidates from each party in the primaries advanced to the general election. David Merwin and Anthony Washington were bracketed together and were unopposed in the Democratic primary. Incumbent Robert Clifton and incumbent Ronald Dancer were bracketed together and were unopposed in the Republican primary. Washington did not appear on the official candidate list for the general election; he was replaced by Robert Kurzydlowski.^[3] Dancer and Clifton defeated Merwin, Kurzydlowski and Stephen Zielinski (G) in the general election.^[4]^[5]^[6]^[7]^[8]

New Jersey General Assembly, District 12 General Election, 2015
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Ronald Dancer Incumbent	29.5%	15,164
	Republican	Robert Clifton Incumbent	28%	14,433
	Democratic	David Merwin	20.4%	10,496
	Democratic	Robert Kurzydlowski	20.3%	10,449
	Green	Stephen Zielinski	1.8%	945
Total Votes				51,487

Campaign themes

2025

Governor

Ballotpedia survey responses

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

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Stephen N. Zielinski Sr., a Green Party candidate for Governor of New Jersey, is a lifelong resident with deep roots in the state. Drawing from a rich background in financial trading, the food industry, farming, and renewable energy, he is committed to tackling New Jersey's most pressing challenges. His campaign focuses on reducing costs for residents and businesses, transitioning healthcare from organic, farm-to-table solutions to universal single-payer coverage, and reforming property taxes. Stephen also prioritizes revamping education, promoting organic agriculture, and expanding renewable energy adoption to lessen dependence on fossil fuels. Stephen’s platform emphasizes job creation and economic growth through increasing green and renewable manufacturing within the state. He envisions expanding public transportation in underserved areas, addressing climate change with initiatives to protect New Jersey’s shores from erosion and acidification, and fostering a political system that ensures free and fair elections. His forward-looking policies aim to build a sustainable, equitable future while creating new opportunities for all New Jerseyans.

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?

I am committed to stopping wasteful spending at all levels of government. By consolidating redundant services, leveraging technology, and transforming waste into valuable resources, we can reduce expenses & create a more efficient system. It’s time to end the “spend it or lose it” mentality and prioritize transparent, responsible use of taxpayer dollars. My goal is to eliminate the NJ billion deficit and build a budget surplus to reinvest in our state. With a surplus, we can lower taxes, improve infrastructure, and grow industries like renewable energy and technology. This surplus also provides a safety net for unexpected challenges, ensuring financial stability for the future. My vision is a government that lives within its means
My vision for healthcare starts with making New Jersey the nation’s first fully organic farming state, providing fresh, organic produce to hospitals, nursing homes, health centers, and schools. Our health begins with what we eat, breathe, and drink, this initiative supports a healthier future. I will empower a new generation of farmers, creating income streams through organic farming and renewable energy, while addressing the state’s 50 food desert communities by establishing year-round urban farms. Additionally, I aim to establish universal healthcare coverage in New Jersey, building on the federal Medicare program to ensure affordable, quality care for all. These combined efforts will promote health, sustainability, and equity across NJ
My plan for New Jersey is a bold vision addressing climate change and economic growth. By creating 50,000 jobs, reducing our carbon footprint, and establishing a Public Bank of New Jersey, we can fund renewable energy projects like solar manufacturing, installation, and storage. I also propose cultivating innovative crops to capture carbon, regenerate soils, and de-acidify our oceans, boosting biodiversity. These efforts will drive new manufacturing jobs, enhance farmer and fisherman incomes, and position New Jersey as a leader in sustainable agriculture and aquaculture.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Making New Jersey affordable, reducing property taxes, expanding our Public Transportation, revamping our health and healthcare, transforming our state to renewable energy, addressing climate change with real solutions, and getting money out of politics.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Lawrence Lessig, who I walked with in 2015, representing New Jersey, for the New Hampshire Rebellion.

Lawrence Lessig is an American academic, attorney, and political activist known for his work in law, technology, and political reform. He is a professor at Harvard Law School and has been a prominent advocate for campaign finance reform. Lessig gained national attention during his 2016 presidential run as a Democratic candidate, where he focused on issues related to corruption in politics and the influence of money on democracy. He is also the founder of the organization Rootstrikers, which aims to combat the corrupting influence of money in politics.

The New Hampshire Rebellion is a grassroots movement co-founded by Lessig that seeks to address and reform the influence of money in politics. It was inspired by the legacy of Doris "Granny D" Haddock, who famously walked across the country to advocate for campaign finance reform. The movement aims to mobilize citizens to demand accountability from political candidates regarding their positions on campaign finance and to promote reforms that would reduce the impact of wealthy special interests in the political process. The New Hampshire Rebellion emphasizes cross-partisan collaboration and citizen engagement to restore integrity and fairness to American democracy

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

I believe the most important characteristics for an elected official include integrity, transparency, and accountability. They must think outside the box to create real, innovative solutions for the issues faced by their constituents. An official should prioritize effective communication, empathy, and collaboration to bridge divides and address diverse needs.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am an “outside the box” thinker. When addressing problems, I look to “peel back the onion” and find the root cause, then build solutions to address that. I look to research ideas that can solve multiple problems.

Take the issue that we have with our shore and ocean. Erosion caused by storms, acidification caused by rising temperatures, and lack of oxygenation, which inhibits the $1 Billion seafood industry. By introducing seaweed, specifically 3D Sugar Kelp farming, with oysters, scallops, and mussels, we can clean our ocean. Kelp thrives on excess nutrients in the water as well as creating more oxygen which potentially lowers our water temperature and reduces acidification. Oysters can filter approximately 50 gallons of water per day, Mussels can filter up to 25 liters of water per day. The massive kelp, which grows 15 to 20 feet long, in conjunction with oyster reefs will block title erosion.

The global kelp product market is expected to reach $1 billion by 2031. With uses from food to animal feed, cosmetics to organic fertilizers, and biofuel, we can create processing and manufacturing centers in NJ. This also gives fishermen additional income, closing the gaps in income with seasonal harvesting.
With this one solution, we solve many issues:

Erosion, acidification, decreased harvest from the ocean do to mortality, additional income, jobs, new manufacturing to the state which increases employment, and state revenue.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The Governor of New Jersey serves as the state’s chief executive, responsible for proposing and managing the state budget, and appointing leaders to state agencies and boards. The governor also plays a critical role in setting policy priorities, responding to emergencies, and ensuring the welfare and security of the state’s residents.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I was the Governor that was able to end the corrupting influence of Money in Politics

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Besides my paper route that I had at age 14, my first job at age 16 was a dishwasher and food prep for a catering service. 13 hour days on the weekends while I had band practice during the week., riding my bicycle to and from work at 6 am. Once I had my first car I moved to office cleaning for a film company 5 days a week after school.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. "Leaders Eat Last" is a powerful look at what it truly means to lead in today’s world. Simon Sinek makes a strong case for leadership built on empathy, trust, and selflessness—showing how these qualities can create organizations where people feel valued, inspired, and eager to give their best.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Conviction of the Heart by Kenny Logins. The lyrics reflect a journey of realizing the interconnectedness of all living things and the environment, emphasizing that our existence is dependent on the health of the planet's ecosystems.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Balancing family life, launching a new food manufacturing product line, and staying active in advocacy was challenging at times. The passing of my wife of 28 years from cancer was a profound turning point. It led me to expand our small organic farm to include livestock and egg production while working full-time. Economically, it was tough, but learning animal husbandry and tackling organic farming challenges taught me the importance of infrastructure and land development. These struggles shaped my ability to adapt, strategize, and empathize with others navigating change.

A governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean do you?

To me, being the top executive authority of New Jersey means being a decisive leader who ensures the state government operates efficiently, transparently, and in the best interest of all residents. It’s about setting priorities that reflect the needs of the people, from fostering economic growth and improving public services to addressing climate change and promoting equity. As governor, I would see it as my duty to unite diverse communities, drive innovative solutions, and make tough decisions that benefit New Jersey now and for future generations.

Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?

In New Jersey, I consider the most important responsibilities to be driving economic growth, fostering environmental sustainability, ensuring equitable public services, and safeguarding security and safety. Residents must know they can rely on leadership in times of crisis, whether facing natural disasters or other emergencies. As governor, I would prioritize creating jobs, reducing our carbon footprint, improving infrastructure, and maintaining public safety. It’s vital that the people of New Jersey feel secure and supported, knowing their government is prepared to respond effectively to any challenge.

Different states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state?

As governor, I will take a proactive approach, ensuring New Jersey’s future is shaped by responsible financial management and sustainable growth. My strategy is to balance the budget, create a surplus, and incentivize municipalities to adopt best practices in fiscal management. This will foster a business-friendly environment where investment thrives, and entrepreneurship is encouraged. It's about creating a state where businesses prosper, families thrive, and future generations aren't burdened by debt. With transparent processes and smart planning, New Jersey can set the standard for economic responsibility, security, and opportunity for all.

In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?

My philosophy for using gubernatorial power is centered around serving the public good, promoting fairness, and fostering sustainable growth. I believe in using this power to create long-term solutions, rather than quick fixes, and always in the best interest of New Jersey residents. This means making tough decisions when necessary, but ensuring transparency and accountability in every action.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature should be built on mutual respect, transparency, accountability, and collaboration. While the governor sets the state’s vision, the legislature ensures policies reflect the diverse needs of the people. I believe in fostering open communication and working together to solve challenges. By maintaining transparency in decision-making and holding both branches accountable, we can create a government that serves all New Jerseyans effectively and equitably. The goal is to build trust and ensure long-term solutions for our state’s future.

What do you love most about your state?

What I love most about New Jersey is its incredible diversity. From the sandy shores to the lush farmlands and towering mountains, the state offers a blend of environments and cultures. It’s a true melting pot, with a rich variety of individuals, businesses, and communities that make New Jersey unique. This diversity fuels creativity, drives innovation, and makes our state an exciting place to live, work, and raise a family.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

The policies I’m proposing aim to address New Jersey’s greatest challenges over the next decade, focusing on the health of our residents, reducing road congestion, and tackling rising expenses. I am committed to putting patients over profits and building a healthcare system that prioritizes well-being. We must address the effects of climate change, such as ocean acidification and beach erosion while working towards energy independence by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Through these policies, I’ll create real, sustainable solutions for a better future in New Jersey.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I have made budget transparency and the creation of a budget surplus key pillars of my gubernatorial campaign. My fiscal strategy focuses on eliminating wasteful spending, promoting efficient use of taxpayer dollars, and ensuring that public funds are allocated to initiatives that generate sustainable economic growth for New Jersey.

"Budgeting is not just about numbers on a spreadsheet," Zielinski asserts. "It’s about setting priorities and ensuring our government delivers results. Our residents deserve a government that lives within its means, reduces unnecessary spending, and creates opportunities for growth rather than relying on deficits and borrowing."

To enhance budget transparency and restore trust in government, I pledge to implement a mandatory 7-day review period. This ensures lawmakers and citizens have sufficient time to review and debate its contents. My goal is to prevent rushed decisions or last-minute amendments that favor special interests. By involving key stakeholders—legislators, business leaders, educators, and residents—we can create a more accountable and transparent budgeting process for New Jersey.

I also propose:
Post Budget Bills by June 1: This would give the public and legislators enough time to analyze the budget before it goes to a vote.

Implement a 7-Day Review Window: This window would ensure that both lawmakers and residents have the opportunity to examine and understand the bill before its second reading in committee.

Multi-Year Projections: Requiring projections for revenues and expenditures would eliminate reliance on short-term fixes, promoting sustainable financial planning.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

I am in favor of a state ballot initiative process because it gives power directly to the people of New Jersey. This process allows residents to propose and vote on important issues, ensuring that the decisions impacting our state are made by the people who live here. It’s about strengthening democracy and making sure that government responds to the needs and will of its citizens, not just special interests or elected officials. By giving people a direct voice, we can create real change and make New Jersey a better place for all.

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.

General Assembly

Ballotpedia survey responses

Stephen Zielinski did not complete Ballotpedia's 2025 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign finance summary

Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets. That information will be published here once it is available.

External links

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Personal

Footnotes

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on December 2, 2024

[2] New Jersey Department of Elections, "2015 Primary Election Timeline," accessed February 2, 2015

[njds-3] New Jersey Department of State, "Official candidates for General Assembly," accessed August 10, 2015

[4] New Jersey Department of State, "Official candidate list for June 2 primary," accessed May 22, 2015

[5] New Jersey Department of State, "Unofficial primary election results," accessed June 3, 2015

[6] New Jersey Department of State, "Official primary results for General Assembly," accessed August 10, 2015

[7] New Jersey Department of State, "Amended Certification," September 10, 2015

[8] New Jersey Department of State, "Official general election results for General Assembly," accessed December 7, 2015

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Stephen Zielinski

Biography

Elections

2025

Governor

General election

General election for Governor of New Jersey

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of New Jersey

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of New Jersey

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

General Assembly

General election

General election for New Jersey General Assembly District 12 (2 seats)

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 12 (2 seats)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 12 (2 seats)

Endorsements

2015

Campaign themes

2025

Governor

Ballotpedia survey responses

General Assembly

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

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