According to the organization Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), Fulop is the first candidate in the 2025 race to publicly endorse a policy banning smoking in casinos. In a statement directed to Casino.org, he emphasized, “As governor, I’ll work relentlessly alongside CEASE to finally end the dangerous loophole that allows smoking in casinos. Every worker in New Jersey deserves a safe workplace, no exceptions.” Currently, smoking is permitted in designated areas within Atlantic City casinos, but health experts, including those from the CDC, argue that such areas do not adequately protect employees and patrons. The lack of physical barriers often means that smoke can permeate even supposedly smoke-free zones.

Governor Murphy has long expressed support for a smoke-free casino environment. His temporary ban on smoking during the COVID-19 pandemic aimed to mitigate the spread of the virus; however, once the state’s emergency protocols were lifted, smoking was allowed to resume. Murphy has indicated that he lacks the authority to unilaterally impose a smoking ban and requires legislative support to advance a bill. In contrast, Fulop has criticized Murphy’s inability to garner support from fellow Democratic legislators to push for a ban, stating, “It’s not enough to say you’ll sign a bill if it reaches your desk. Leadership means helping to get that bill to your desk.”

Fulop has served as the mayor of Jersey City since July 2013 and previously held a councilor position in the city. He brings substantial academic credentials to his campaign, holding both a Master of Business Administration from NYU’s Stern School of Business and a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University. His professional background includes a stint at Goldman Sachs before he left to serve in the United States Marine Corps in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

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In light of potential pushback from casino operators, who argue that banning smoking could harm gaming revenues and result in job losses, Fulop’s business acumen might help counter these concerns. Despite opposition, recent polling indicates strong support for ending smoking in casinos, with more than eight in ten voters in South New Jersey favoring such legislation.

As Fulop navigates a competitive Democratic primary that includes notable figures like U.S. Representatives Miki Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer, as well as former state Senate President Stephen Sweeney, he hopes to leverage his stance on casino smoking as a key talking point. Prediction market insights suggest that Sherrill currently holds the edge in the primary with a 70% chance of winning, while Fulop trails with a 24% probability.

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