Exclusive: NJ voters support gig workers as independent contractors

The basics:

• 75% of New Jersey voters back rideshare, delivery drivers keeping independent contractor status
• 72% support portable benefits, allowing workers to earn health, dental, vision, retirement benefits while staying independent
• Support spans Democrats (76%), Independents (71%), Republicans (69%); 84% of app-based workers in favor
• Poll shows broad understanding of gig economy; preference for flexible, hybrid work models

A new poll obtained exclusively by NJBIZ shows strong bipartisan support among New Jersey voters for allowing app-based ride-hailing and delivery drivers to remain independent contractors while gaining access to portable benefits.

Impact Research polled 600 registered voters in New Jersey from Feb. 6–12, 2026, for the survey. It carries a margin of error of +/- 4%.

The results found 75% of voters support ride-booking and delivery drivers maintaining independent contractor status. Meanwhile 72% support a flexible portable benefits framework that would allow workers to earn benefits while keeping their independence.

Support crosses party lines, including 76% of Democrats, 71% of independents and 69% of Republicans. And 84% of app-based workers themselves support the proposal.

One proposal under discussion would require app-based ride-hailing and delivery companies to contribute to portable benefits accounts for eligible workers. Drivers could use the funds to pay for benefits, such as health, dental or vision insurance. The money could also replace income during emergencies or contribute to retirement savings.

Workers would own the accounts themselves, allowing them to keep the benefits even if they stop working for a particular platform.

Prioritizing fair pay

Polling also suggests many residents already understand how the gig economy works.

About 60% of New Jersey voters know app-based drivers are classified as independent contractors. Support increases when voters learn the model allows workers to set their own schedules and engage multiple companies in the same day.

“Voters’ priority from Democrats, independents, and Republicans in this poll is that workers are paid fairly and given fair, decent wages, and these are the types of benefits that track for them,” said Brian Stryker, managing partner at Impact Research.

Business groups say the poll reflects broad agreement around a hybrid approach that preserves flexibility and independence while expanding worker protections.

“It’s overwhelmingly clear that New Jersey Democrats, Republicans and Independents support app-based workers remaining independent contractors when they can have access to portable benefits. It’s a policy the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce strongly supports,” said Michael Egenton, executive vice president of government relations at the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce.

The findings come as New Jersey continues to debate how to classify gig-economy workers.

As NJBIZ has previously reported, the issue intensified last summer when the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development proposed rules expanding the state’s “ABC test.”  The updates could make it harder for companies to classify workers as independent contractors.

The proposal drew plenty of pushback from a number of advocates and stakeholders.

However, it is currently on hold, after Gov. Mikie Sherrill issued an executive order pausing new regulations for 90 days while her administration reviews pending rules left by her predecessor.