Contact for more information:
Barry Bendar, Green Party of NJ Elections Chair
Phone: 609-276-3183
Email: bbendar@msn.com
From Stephen Zielinski, Sr., Green Party candidate for Governor in 2025,
on why he has withdrawn from the gubernatorial race;
Morris County resident Lily Benavides now seeks the Green Party of NJ nomination
“At this time, I must share with you that I will be stepping down from the race for Governor of New Jersey, as I confront a serious health issue. This is not a goodbye,” wrote Zielinski. “You are not losing me. I will continue to fight for policy that transforms our state—from healthcare reform and renewable energy independence to property tax relief and urban agriculture that nourishes all 9.5 million residents of New Jersey.
“I am proud to stand beside Lily Benavides, who was going to be my running mate for Lieutenant Governor. She now steps forward as the Green Party’s next candidate for Governor. I trust her. I believe in her. And I know she will carry this vision forward with strength, compassion, and clarity.
“Together, we will continue this fight—to make New Jersey a place where children are safe, families are secure, and every resident has the care they deserve. This movement is bigger than any one person. With your help, your voice, and your belief, we will create the future our children deserve—not just in New Jersey, but across this nation.
This is our moment. Let’s rise together.”
Lily Benavides, now seeking to obtain at least 2000 valid signatures of registered voters in New Jersey in her campaign for governor, by August 20th, responded to Stephen Zielinski’s announcement with the following announcement of her own.
“I am very proud to say that I am running for Governor of New Jersey with the Green Party. 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. 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. I am running to put an end to wars and genocide and to stand in solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters. I am running under the Green Party banner because I uphold the ten key values on which our party is based in my heart. I am running to make a difference in this world and to raise the voice of those who cannot speak. I will be naming a Lieutenant Governor candidate shortly”.