A candidate running for governor of New Jersey is facing a wave of criticism after a video surfaced of him saying people who are not vaccinated should be taxed.
The video shows former New Jersey Assistant Attorney General Shavar Jeffries, a Democrat, speaking at an event and sharing his thoughts on vaccine hesitancy and public health.
In the video, Jeffries says people who choose not to get vaccinated are putting others at risk and that this choice affects the community as a whole. He compares it to how people are required to wear seatbelts for safety or pay fines when they break traffic rules.
According to him, vaccines are not just a personal choice but a public responsibility, and those who refuse to get vaccinated should face some financial consequences for that decision.
Jeffries is not currently a government official but is widely believed to be considering a run for governor in 2025. His comments have quickly drawn backlash from various political groups and citizens, especially from conservatives and people who oppose government mandates related to COVID-19.
Critics say the idea of taxing people for not getting vaccinated is extreme and unfair, especially now that the pandemic is not as serious as it was a few years ago.
Supporters of Jeffries argue that his idea comes from a place of concern for public safety. They say his suggestion is similar to how the government already uses taxes or penalties to discourage behavior that harms society, such as smoking or polluting.
But even among Democrats, not everyone agrees with him. Some feel that encouraging vaccination through education and awareness is better than adding financial pressure.
The debate about vaccine mandates, masks, and other COVID-related rules has been intense in the past few years, especially in places like New Jersey, where political views are deeply divided.
During the height of the pandemic, the state had strict rules in place, and the government promoted vaccines aggressively. However, as time passed and restrictions eased, more people started pushing back against those rules.
Many people feel that health decisions should be personal, and they don’t want the government to interfere or punish them for their choices.
On the other hand, others believe that public health comes first and that some rules are necessary to keep everyone safe. Jeffries’ remarks have brought these issues back into focus, reminding people that discussions about vaccines and public policy are far from over.
It’s unclear whether Jeffries will officially run for governor or not, but his statement has already put him in the spotlight.
Some political analysts say that his strong views on health policies could help him gain support among progressive voters who believe in government-led public safety measures.
But others warn that pushing ideas like this could hurt his chances, especially if voters feel it’s too controlling or goes against their freedoms.
The video has now spread widely on social media and political news sites. Many users are sharing their opinions, with some praising his boldness and others accusing him of trying to create a “nanny state.”
As the 2025 election season gets closer, this incident will likely continue to be part of the political conversation in New Jersey and maybe even beyond.
For now, Jeffries has not released a statement explaining or defending his comments in the video. But the public reaction makes it clear that his views have sparked a new wave of debate on where the line should be drawn between personal freedom and public safety.