NJ Green Party Governor Candidate Withdraws From Race Due To ‘Health Issue’

The Green Party of New Jersey’s governor candidate has withdrawn from the 2025 election, citing a “serious health issue.”

On Wednesday, party spokespeople announced that Stephen Zielinski is stepping down, with plans on passing the torch to his intended lieutenant governor running mate, Lily Benavides.

Gov. Phil Murphy is term-limited and can’t run again in 2025. Over the past year, a large field of candidates have been jockeying for position to replace him – including Zielinski, who has experience as a restaurant owner, food industry manufacturer, commodities broker and community organizer.

• See Related: Green Party Candidate For Gov Campaigns On 'Clean Energy, Climate Change'

Zielinski said the decision is “not a goodbye.”

“You are not losing me,” he said. “I will continue to fight for policy that transforms our state – from health care reform and renewable energy independence, to property tax relief and urban agriculture that nourishes all 9.5 million residents of New Jersey.”

Benavides – a Morris County resident – ran for a U.S. House of Representatives seat last year in the state’s 11th congressional district, losing to the Democratic nominee, Mikie Sherrill.

• See Related: NJ Green Party Candidates Score Nearly 9K Votes In Essex County

“I accept the challenge of stepping up to Stephen Zielinski's campaign for governor because I envision a future where everyone is valued, regardless of their skin color, immigration status or lifestyle,” Benavides said.

“I am running for governor to show the people of New Jersey that there's hope and that we can leave a better world for our children,” she added.

Benavides is now seeking to obtain at least 2,000 signatures of registered voters in New Jersey by Aug. 20. The party’s new governor candidate said she plans to name a running mate soon.

Benavides has gotten a strong endorsement from Zielinski.

“I trust her – I believe in her,” he said. “And I know she will carry this vision forward with strength, compassion and clarity.”

As of June 1, there were 11,779 registered Green Party voters in New Jersey – making it one of the larger third-parties in the state.

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