In recent weeks, thousands of so-called progressives have gathered at their local Tesla dealerships, protesting Elon Musk, the man they believe represents the worst aspects of corporate power and governmental inefficiency. Many decried his leadership of a company associated with massive wealth inequality, and also took aim at his controversial stance on public policies. They also lashed out at the draconian cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and other critical federal programs that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. On the surface, these protests may seem impactful, particularly as Musk’s net worth continues to fluctuate with Tesla’s stock price, but in reality, these protests will likely have little to no effect on his agenda—an agenda that seeks to dismantle the social safety net and push for tax cuts for the wealthy.
But imagine, for a moment, if the time, energy, and fervor directed toward these protests were channeled into more productive and impactful activities. What if the same progressives who rallied against Musk and former President Donald Trump instead turned their focus on something as fundamental—and yet, far more impactful—as advocating for the right gubernatorial candidate or working toward voter registration? The point is that, in the end, the political resistance against individuals like Musk or Trump isn’t going to save the lives of New Jersey’s residents or protect its vital social programs. What could truly make a difference is a shift in focus: governance.
The Current State of Political Distractions
In New Jersey, a perfect example of this misplaced focus came recently when Senator Cory Booker embarked on a record-breaking 25-hour speech, leaving critical legislative work—such as regulating his allies in Silicon Valley—unattended. The act was a political performance, something that, over the years, has come to define Booker’s career more than his actual achievements in governance. For all of his vocal advocacy, the reality is that Booker has not made significant strides in addressing the structural issues that New Jersey faces—issues that will require hard work, collaboration, and practical solutions, not just theatrics.
At the same time, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has found himself in a precarious political situation. Schumer is facing a primary challenge from none other than Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, further highlighting the growing dissatisfaction within his own party. This internal division is largely due to his leadership in maintaining a federal government that, though imperfect, functions. Schumer and other responsible senators managed to keep the government open during a time when a shutdown might have further accelerated the erosion of our country’s social services.
Meanwhile, New Jersey’s gubernatorial candidates spend far too much time talking about how they will resist the forces of Musk and Trump, rather than addressing the real issues facing the state. Critical programs, such as Medicaid, Medicare, and federal education funding, are facing massive cuts, and yet the conversation from many candidates is still dominated by rhetoric about opposing these figures, rather than offering substantive plans to navigate the impending financial crisis.
It’s Time to Focus on Governance, Not Performance Art
Let’s be clear: The Resistance is not what we should be focused on right now. New Jersey doesn’t need more speeches and protests aimed at figures like Musk or Trump—it needs responsible leadership capable of addressing real-world challenges. The state needs a gubernatorial candidate who can handle the massive cuts to education and healthcare that will affect its most vulnerable residents. We need leaders who understand that the fight for New Jersey’s future is not one of resistance, but one of governance.
So, to all the candidates currently running for governor, I say this: It’s the governance, stupid! You are not running to lead the Resistance; you’re running to govern the state of New Jersey! If you can’t focus on practical solutions, then step aside. The time for performative politics is over.
For Senator Booker, if leading the resistance is your calling, you’re free to continue with your theatrics. After all, you’ve shown time and again that you’re much better suited for symbolic gestures, like running into burning buildings, than actually governing. Despite numerous opportunities to run for governor and address the issues New Jersey faces head-on, Booker has passed on these chances, further proving that his real talent lies in performance, not in leadership.
A Real Plan for Governance: What New Jersey Needs
Instead of wasting time on performative resistance, New Jersey needs real plans to address looming budget shortfalls, especially with billions of dollars in federal funding potentially at risk. If I were to offer a suggestion to the gubernatorial candidates, it would be this: it’s time to take a page out of the movie Dave, in which the President finds budget savings by digging into the details and focusing on what truly matters. In this case, we need to start looking for savings within our own state structure.
New Jersey, with its dense population and large number of municipalities, is particularly prone to inefficiencies. The state currently has nearly 600 municipal governments and over 600 school districts, each with its own set of administrators and bureaucratic processes. There’s no reason for such fragmentation. Billions of dollars could be saved by eliminating unnecessary positions and consolidating school districts into larger, more efficient county-level organizations.
If we look to other successful models in the U.S., we see the advantages of consolidation. By consolidating power at the county level, we could streamline government operations, reduce redundancy, and save money—money that could be reinvested into education, healthcare, and social services. While this may anger political insiders and undermine patronage networks, it’s a necessary step if we’re going to ensure the sustainability of New Jersey’s vital services.
A Bold Proposal to Replace Medicaid Funding
Another area that needs serious attention is healthcare funding. With federal Medicaid dollars at risk, New Jersey needs a plan to replace these funds with innovative solutions. One potential route could be working with private sector experts in the insurance industry—like George Norcross, who has a deep understanding of how health insurance works in New Jersey. If Norcross and other key figures could work together, perhaps we could devise a plan to transition to a more efficient, state-run healthcare system that could both save money and protect New Jersey’s most vulnerable populations.
The state could consider developing a public health insurance option that competes with private insurers. By marking up premiums less than private companies do, the state could generate revenue while providing more affordable options for employers and residents alike. While this is no small feat, it’s the kind of thinking we need from our leaders—thinking that focuses on creative, long-term solutions rather than hollow rhetoric.
A Call for Leadership
Ultimately, the next governor of New Jersey must be someone who is focused on practical governance and real solutions. We need leadership that looks beyond the latest political trend and understands the complex issues facing our state. The time for symbolic resistance is over—it’s time to focus on building a New Jersey that works for everyone. If the candidates can focus on these crucial issues and leave the performative politics behind, they will earn not only my respect but the respect of every New Jersey resident who wants a brighter, more stable future.
And to those candidates who can make it through the race without mentioning Trump or Musk even once, I’ll donate $100 to your campaign. Consider it a small challenge—one that I hope will spark the type of thoughtful, forward-looking leadership that New Jersey desperately needs.
Bertin Lefkovic is a Jamesburg Borough Councilperson and Vice Chair of the Democratic Organization of Jamesburg. He was a Bernie Sanders delegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention and a key leader of Howard Dean’s 2004 Presidential campaign in New Jersey.
