TRENTON -- With the debates behind them, the candidates for New Jersey governor are heading into the final leg of the campaign. But Phil Murphy does so with a huge cash advantage.
The Democratic nominee received another $871,000 in public matching funds Wednesday, while Republican Kim Guadagno received $217,000. This latest disbursement brings Murphy to a total of $8.3 million and Guadagno, $2.3 million.
Murphy is within $1 million of the $9.3 million cap on funds general election candidates can receive from the public matching program.
Much as the Democratic has long led the polls in the race to succeed Gov. Chris Christie, he's dominated the money race. Campaign finance reports filed last week showed Murphy with $5.4 million remaining in his war chest, while Guadagno was down to under $1 million.
The Wall Street millionaire has raised $10.3 million and spent less than half, as of Oct. 6, according to the Election Law Enforcement Commission. Guadagno, the state's lieutenant governor, has raised $3 million and spent $2 million.
Murphy's fundraising total accounts for three quarters of all funds raised by candidates this general election cycle and his spending represents nearly 70 percent of all dollars spent by candidates.
Both candidates opted to participate in the state's public matching fund program that allows candidates to receive $2 in public funds for every $1 they raise, up to $9.3 million, but it limits their spending in the six months leading up to November's general election at $13.8 million.
Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.