Federal investigators examining political spending of New Jersey’s largest teachers union

The investigation centers on the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) and approximately $40 million in funding provided to two super PACs connected to the union, according to a report by Politico.

The money went to Garden State Forward and Working New Jersey, which were involved in efforts to support former NJEA President Sean Spiller during his 2025 campaign for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

Several people associated with Working New Jersey have reportedly received subpoenas as part of the federal inquiry. One subpoena was confirmed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey. Authorities have not publicly detailed which potential legal violations are being examined.

The union also reportedly directed at least $5 million through Garden State Forward to a nonprofit called Protecting Our Democracy, which supported Spiller before his gubernatorial campaign.

Spiller finished fifth in the six-person Democratic primary, receiving 10.6% of the vote. The contest was won by Mikie Sherrill, who went on to become governor.

The NJEA represents approximately 200,000 members, making it the state's largest public-sector union. Neither the union nor the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey provided immediate comment on the investigation, according to the report.