Candidates for public office in New Jersey do not have to sign an oath that includes "so help me God" following a federal lawsuit by a local resident.

James Tosone, a 70-year-old New Jerseyan who plans to run for Congress next year, has sued the state over the affirmation "so help me God" appearing on a required petition.

“By requiring plaintiff to swear ‘so help me God,’ in order to run for public office, without a secular option, the secretary of state has inflicted, and will continue to inflict ...