NJEA Under Federal Probe Over $40 Million Used for Spiller Campaign

Federal investigators are examining whether the New Jersey Education Association used roughly $40 million in union funds to support former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller’s 2025 gubernatorial campaign, according to a report by Politico.

The probe focuses on how these funds were allegedly moved through a series of political action committees to benefit Spiller’s run for governor. While Spiller’s official campaign reportedly raised and spent comparatively little, the investigation centers on the flow of money through external groups, Montclair Local reported.

The movement of capital followed a specific path: the union reportedly provided the $40 million to Garden State Forward, a super PAC affiliated with the NJEA. From there, the funds were passed to another super PAC named Working New Jersey, which was managed by former NJEA officials. Working New Jersey then used the money for advertisements and other expenses tied to Spiller’s 2025 primary campaign.

“The NJEA has a long history of full cooperation with all governmental inquiries. That will not change,” an NJEA spokesperson said in an email, though the spokesperson declined to comment further on the specific investigation.

The 2025 Democratic Primary Results

Spiller’s bid for the governorship ended in a fifth-place finish during the 2025 Democratic primary. He captured 10.7% of the primary electorate in a contest ultimately won by current Mikie Sherrill.

Spiller’s political career has seen rapid growth and intense local scrutiny. He began his elected career in Montclair as a Third Ward councilor in 2012 and later won the mayor’s office in 2020. That mayoral victory was decided by a narrow margin of just 195 votes over Renee Baskerville.

Following his time in local government, Spiller was elected president of the NJEA in 2021, taking leadership of the state’s largest public-sector union. He eventually decided not to seek a second term as mayor in 2024.

After his gubernatorial loss, Spiller attempted to secure the presidency of the National Education Association, the parent organization of the NJEA, but was unsuccessful.

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Previous Controversies in Montclair

The federal inquiry into campaign finances follows a history of legal and administrative challenges during Spiller’s tenure as mayor. His administration faced an investigation by the state Attorney General’s Office following a lawsuit from the township’s chief financial officer.

The lawsuit contained allegations that certain elected officials were receiving state health insurance benefits unlawfully. Specifically, reports indicated that Spiller allegedly received dental insurance and a $5,000 payment in lieu of medical benefits that were improperly offered to him and other officials.

Spiller also faced scrutiny regarding local ordinances, including instances where he allegedly skirted fines related to a township sidewalk maintenance law. While officials have remained quiet regarding the investigation into the receipt of insurance benefits, these incidents shaped the final years of his local leadership.

Spiller, a former high school science teacher at Wayne Public Schools, did not respond to texts, voicemails, or emails seeking comment regarding the current federal investigation.

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