Joseph Rudy Rullo, a Republican candidate for governor in New Jersey, has proposed the creation of a Department of Government Efficiency to address the state’s fiscal challenges. He suggests involving tech entrepreneur Elon Musk in this initiative, inspired by President-elect Donald Trump’s recent appointment of Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
It’s something neither of the front-running candidates, Jack Ciattarelli or Bill Spadea, is talking about. Those two are both trying to fight each other over who said a few bad things about former President Trump when he was on the ropes a few years ago.
Spadea said Trump failed. Ciattarelli called him a charlatan who is unfit to serve. Rullo, who has nearly 400,000 followers on Facebook said he stood behind the former president, even when most of the GOP had given up on him.
Now, Rullo criticizes current state expenditures, highlighting high taxes, spending on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, immigrant healthcare, and what he perceives as inadequate support for law enforcement. He argues that government officials are benefiting financially without sufficient accountability.
Under Governor Phil Murphy’s administration, New Jersey’s budget has increased significantly, with the latest fiscal year 2025 budget reaching $56.6 billion. This budget includes a 2.5% tax on large corporations to fund NJ Transit, making New Jersey’s business taxes among the highest in the nation.
Residents face high property taxes, with the average annual property tax bill around $9,300, among the highest in the country.
Additionally, a gas tax increase of 2.6 cents per gallon is set to take effect on January 1, raising the total state gas tax to 44.9 cents per gallon.
Concerns have also been raised about the condition of roads, rising tolls, and school funding. While the state has increased overall K-12 support by more than 40% over seven years, some school districts have experienced state aid cuts, leading to property tax increases to compensate.
Rullo said not only would he cut the fat in Trenton and improve government efficiency, he would also work with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and ICE to remove criminal illegal aliens from the state.
Rullo, who ran for governor in 2017, frequently said he is tired of New Jersey finishing last in everything while its residents pay more than nearly every other state in taxes.
“Rullo’s proposal aims to streamline government operations, reduce wasteful spending, and make New Jersey more affordable for its residents. By involving figures like Elon Musk, he hopes to bring innovative approaches to state governance, similar to the federal initiative led by Musk and Ramaswamy.
When asked if he would extend the invitation to Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, Rullo said he would definitely accept their involvement locally in New Jersey.