

Dawn Fantasia
Republican | New Jersey
Candidate Profile
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Dawn Fantasia
Party
Republican
Election Year
2025
Election
General
Race
General Assembly, Dist. 24
Incumbent
Yes
EDUCATION
Wallkill Valley Regional High School, Hardyston, Graduate, 1991
Davis & Elkins College, Elkins, WV, BA, 1995
Rutgers Center for Effective School Practices, New Brunswick, Alternate Route Teacher Certification, 2009
Capella University, Online, MS.Ed, 2014
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
National Rifle Association, Member, Sussex County Republican Committee
Elected County Committeewoman, Association of American Educators, Member
Coalition of New Jersey Firearms Owners, Member, National Wild Turkey Federation
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Sussex County Board of County Commissioners (Former Freeholders), 5
Franklin Borough Council, 3
NJ State Assemblywoman, 1
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
ENDORSEMENTS
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (5)
New Jersey Right to Life State PAC
New Jersey Family Policy Center
NJ State Senators: Parker Space, Douglas Steinhardt, Former NJ State Senator Steve Oroho, Former NJ Assemblyman Harold Wirths
NJGOP Republican Committee County Chairs: Morris County - Laura Marie Ali, Sussex County- Joseph Labarbera, Warren County Douglas Steinhardt
NJ LD24 County Sheriffs: Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada, Warren County Sheriff James McDonald
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (3)
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (2021)
International Union of Operating Engineers (2021)
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (2021)
OTHER INFORMATION
Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia's legislative page including bills sponsored and votes taken
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
As a pro-life mother of three adult children, I am endorsed by the NJ Right to Life State PAC. I am a certified “Protection for the Unborn” and Recommended Candidate by the NJ Family Policy Center. The life of the mother is a circumstance that should be permitted. There is debate amongst fellow pro-life advocates regarding allowances for rape and incest. The major legislative initiative in NJ to protect the lives of the unborn makes allowances for all three circumstances.
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
I introduced the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (A4557) and am the prime sponsor of the parental notification constitutional amendment (ACR81). I also introduced a resolution supporting the work of pregnancy resource centers and condemning the Attorney General’s actions against them (AR157). I voted No on the state budget (A4700), which provided millions to Planned Parenthood, and on a bill (A4654) that offers free abortions subsidized by taxpayers and insurance consumers.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
None.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Closer to choice "C": Medicare is federal—states have little say. Medicaid is a federal-state program with more state control. Medicaid should not fund abortions. Instead of relying on Medicaid and Charity Care for routine care, we should create free clinics run by volunteer health professionals in exchange for malpractice coverage. NJ Democrats passed Obamacare-style laws like the individual mandate—those should be repealed.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
I sponsor the following bills: A191 Bans foreign ownership of farmlands and agricultural woodlands; A253 Prohibits contracts for technology with Chinese government-owned or affiliated companies; A4781 Prohibits ownership of protected land adjacent to military facilities by certain foreign governments and persons; A5340 Restricts all ownership of agricultural land by foreign governments and persons; A1335 Prohibits investment of State pension and annuity funds in Chinese pharmaceutical compan
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Our alliance with Israel is vital. During the Cold War, they stood with us against the Soviet Union. Today, they remain a key partner in countering radical Islamic extremism and threats from nations like Iran. Israel safeguards the Holy Land, ensuring Christian pilgrims can worship freely and protecting sacred sites. Strategically located, Israel enhances our geopolitical and economic interests in the Middle East.
HEALTHCARE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
Closer to choice "C": Medicare is federal—states have little say. Medicaid is a federal-state program with more state control. Medicaid should not fund abortions. Instead of relying on Medicaid and Charity Care for routine care, we should create free clinics run by volunteer health professionals in exchange for malpractice coverage. NJ Democrats passed Obamacare-style laws like the individual mandate—those should be repealed.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I believe vaccination should be a personal choice, not a government or employer mandate. That’s why I co-sponsored A3835, which prohibits discrimination against individuals who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine.
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
I voted NO on the following tax & spending hikes: • Largest state budget in NJ history: $56.6B (A4700) • 10% school property tax hike w/o voter approval (A4161) • Sales tax hikes on school items & EVs (A4702) • Business tax hike (A4704) • Health care & hospital tax hikes (A4705, A3364) • Hotel/motel tax (A4708) • Gas tax & MVC fee hikes (A4011) • More Hollywood subsidies (S3275)
What is your position on the minimum wage?
New Jersey’s minimum wage increases automatically each year due to a 2019 law aimed at reaching $15/hour and a state constitutional mandate tied to the CPI—all enacted before I took office. I do not support any further increases.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
I am a sponsor of several bills: A159: Prohibits sanctuary city policies. A164: "NJ Jobs Protection Act" requiring employment verification. A224: Blocks state funding for immigrants facing detention or deportation. A3841: Prevents release of undocumented immigrants from correctional facilities. A4256: Repeals directives limiting law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. A5276: Mandates law enforcement and courts to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
EDUCATION
The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child through programs which protect parents' freedom to choose their child's school – public, private, or homeschool.
Strongly Agree
As an advocate for NJ school choice for over fifteen years, I support public school choice and increased funding for non-public schools, while advocating for reforms to ensure fair funding for rural and suburban public schools and to reduce property taxes. Governor Murphy and the Democrats have failed our students and taxpayers. Every child deserves access to quality education within their own district, and the state should respect the autonomy of private schools and homeschoolers.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
I do not support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs. Law enforcement agencies require adequate resources to effectively protect our communities, respond to emergencies, and uphold public safety. Reducing their budgets could compromise these essential services, potentially leading to increased crime and slower response times.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
The Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms—a fundamental liberty that must not be infringed. While I support keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals and those with severe mental illness, our current laws are riddled with redundant regulations that burden law-abiding citizens. We must eliminate unnecessary red tape and focus on enforcing existing laws that target criminals to ensure public safety without compromising constitutional rights.
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
As a school administrator and strong Second Amendment advocate, I believe trained, willing educators should be allowed to carry firearms. With rigorous training and clear protocols, this can enhance school safety, especially in districts lacking full-time security.
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
Government must operate within its constitutional boundaries, adhering to the principles set forth in both the U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions. These documents, inspired by the Declaration of Independence, emphasize limited government, individual liberties, and the consent of the governed. To uphold these ideals, we must reduce the size and scope of government, ensuring it remains accountable and focused on its core responsibilities.
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
In addition to my voting record and endorsements from NJ Right to Life and the NJ Family Policy Center, my conservative principles are reflected in prior cycle endorsements from: Stand for Health Freedom NJ Public Health Innovation PAC (NJPHIPAC) Team Protect Your Children NJ NFIB NJ PAC NEW JOBS PAC NRA Political Victory Fund Association of NJ Rifle & Pistol Clubs PAC NJ Second Amendment Society NJ Outdoor Alliance Save the East Coast I look forward to continued advocacy alongside these groups.
VALUES
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
I strongly opposed the so-called “Freedom to Read Act” (A3446), which shields school and library staff from accountability over inappropriate content. Obscene material has no place in our schools or libraries. I am a sponsor of A5419, which prohibits gender-affirming health care for individuals under 21; A4609, the “Protecting Students from Obscene Material in School Libraries Act”; and A4146, which requires age verification for access to explicit online content.
Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.
Strongly Agree
I am proud to be certified as a “Parental Rights Champion” by the NJ Family Policy Center. I sponsor A3339, the “Parents Bill of Rights Act,” which affirms parents' fundamental right to direct their child's education and allows them to opt out of curriculum conflicting with their beliefs. I also sponsor A3204, requiring public schools to post curriculum plans online and make textbooks and materials available for parental review.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Agree
While civil law recognizes various forms of marriage, it is essential that religious institutions retain the freedom to define and uphold marriage according to their faith traditions. Protecting religious liberty means allowing faith-based institutions to operate in accordance with their convictions without fear of government interference.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Roman Catholic, and my faith has been a guiding influence throughout my life. Growing up, I attended Catholic school as a young child where I was taught not only academic subjects but also the importance of compassion, service, and respect for others. These values have shaped my character and continue to inform my decisions and actions.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
New Jersey must mandate voter ID, and I am the sponsor of several bills to do so (A415, A770, A1503, A4248).
States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.
Strongly Disagree
I am a sponsor of legislation to repeals NJ’s participation in the "Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote" (A379).
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
New Jersey enforces strong laws to protect individuals from harm and discrimination. The state's criminal code addresses various offenses, including assault and harassment, ensuring that those who commit such acts are held accountable. In addition to these general protections, New Jersey has specific statutes targeting bias-motivated crimes.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Strongly Agree
I am a sponsor of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act (A775) which requires that participation in school-sanctioned sports be based upon biological sex at birth.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? (Select all that apply) A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. C) Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources. D) Climate change is real and requires urgent policy action.
C: After years of Governor Murphy and the Democrats advancing their "Zero Carbon" initiatives, energy prices have surged this year. Their persistent, short-sighted push for full electrification of homes, businesses, and vehicles—while relying predominantly on heavily subsidized renewable sources like solar and offshore wind—has led to decreased energy production amid rising demand. This imbalance has contributed to escalating costs for New Jersey residents.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
The most reliable energy sources are nuclear and natural gas.
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