In this full-length interview, NJ Republican gubernatorial candidate Justin Barbera shares his background as a father of three and contractor, and outlines his grassroots campaign to bring practical, conservative leadership to Trenton. Hosted by Steven Solof of InformTheVoteNJ.com, the conversation covers Barbera’s key platform pillars—ending sanctuary policies and supporting ICE, cracking down on government waste and corrupt contracts, restoring practical education like trades and civics, securing elections through paper ballots, reducing healthcare and insurance costs using NJ’s population scale, and defending gun rights with expanded Second Amendment protections. Barbera emphasizes his connections to South Jersey, citing family property in Cumberland County and local engagement efforts, and proposes infrastructure improvements like broadband expansion and recycled asphalt roadwork. He advocates for better civic awareness through county-run voter info platforms and calls for NJ colleges to help rebuild local press by assigning journalism students to political coverage. Barbera presents himself as an unbought outsider committed to restoring common sense, empowering working families, and shaking up the state’s political establishment.
This table highlights the key topics covered in the interview, summarizing major takeaways per section.
Timestamp | Topic | Key Takeaways |
---|---|---|
0:00 | Introduction & Why InformTheVoteNJ.com Exists | Steven introduces the site’s mission. Barbera agrees the media is biased and it’s hard for voters to find honest candidate info. |
3:30 | Barbera’s Background & Entry Into Politics | Father of three, contractor, outsider. Running to provide a fresh, unfiltered voice in NJ politics. |
6:45 | Agenda Item 1: Public Safety & Immigration | Opposes sanctuary policies, supports ICE, favors NJ residents, and proposes voluntary deportation incentives. |
9:55 | Agenda Item 2: Corruption & Government Waste | Backs DOGE initiative, seeks contract reform, energy policy overhaul, and exposure of corrupt nonprofit practices. |
11:45 | Agenda Item 3: Education Reform | Wants practical education including trades, agriculture, and union prep. Opposes bias in school curriculum. |
16:45 | Election Integrity & Civic Culture | Supports secure paper ballots over machines. Wants to build civic awareness, possibly through a state app. |
26:15 | COVID, Vaccines & Public Health | Opposes mandates and lockdowns. Advocates for medical freedom and parental choice on health matters. |
28:55 | Policy 5756, PBIS, & School Discipline | Criticizes unclear policies. Opposes PBIS. Supports clearer, traditional discipline structures and parental rights. |
36:40 | Gun Rights & Insurance Reform | Supports stand-your-ground laws, unlimited magazines, and cracking down on inflated insurance costs. |
40:00 | Cumberland County Engagement | Highlights ties to the region. Supports agriculture and expanding access to healthy food in rural areas. |
44:40 | Nabb Ave Extension & Roadbuilding Innovation | Proposes using recycled asphalt and new technology to fix roads efficiently and reduce red tape. |
48:30 | Middle Mile Broadband | Supports rural broadband as critical infrastructure. Open to using the fastest tech to connect underserved areas. |
52:15 | East Point Lighthouse & Prison Labor Proposal | Suggests using nonviolent inmates to help restore historic sites and gain job training. |
54:30 | Candidate Info & County Outreach Reform | Supports county-managed forums, video interviews, and voter guides. Wants to unify access through a state or county app. |
57:45 | Rebuilding Local Press | Proposes NJ colleges assign students to cover local news and rebuild trust in political reporting. |
1:01:30 | Final Pitch: Why Vote Barbera? | Frames himself as an honest, unbought outsider fighting for working-class people and real reform. |