New Jersey Gubernatorial Race Intensifies as Ciattarelli and Sherrill Vie for Governorship

The New Jersey gubernatorial race is tightening between Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli and Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot. Both candidates have been actively campaigning, with Sherrill speaking to a crowd in Westville on October 11, 2025, and Ciattarelli addressing a rally in Westfield on November 1, 2025. At the Westfield rally, a supporter named Vance urged New Jersey residents to vote for Ciattarelli, criticizing the state's current leadership. A Quinnipiac poll shows Ciattarelli trailing Sherrill by 8 points. Sherrill is endorsed by Obama for her integrity and commitment, while Ciattarelli is backed by Trump. The race has drawn national attention, with New Yorkers focusing on issues of affordability and public safety.

On June 10, 2025, New Jersey voters headed to the polls for key gubernatorial primaries, with six Democrats and five Republicans vying for the state's top job. The race is particularly significant as Democratic Governor Phil Murphy is term-limited, leaving the future leadership of the Garden State up for grabs. As of June 1, over 6.5 million New Jerseyans were registered to vote, and more than 500,000 votes had already been cast, including mail-in ballots, according to the New Jersey Division of Elections.

Turnout is a critical factor in the primaries, with a crowded field potentially resulting in a winner securing as little as 20% of the vote. Polls closed at 8 p.m., and live results were made available for tracking. Notable Democratic candidates included Sherill, who voted in Montclair; Baraka, who cast his ballot in Newark; Fulop, who voted in Jersey City; and Gottheimer, who voted in Tenafly. Gottheimer remarked on the positive reception he received during his campaign efforts, stating, "I did my first train station at 7 a.m. today, hit a bunch of diners. Great energy."

Matthew Hale, an associate professor and MPA Program Chair at Seton Hall University, highlighted the centrist nature of New Jersey's Democratic voters. He noted that while dislike of former President Donald Trump is a unifying theme among candidates, pocketbook issues like taxes and affordability are equally critical. Hale emphasized, "Democrats in New Jersey are centrist. Republicans, for the most part, like things in the middle. You can do whatever you want as long as your yard is clean and you take care of your neighbor." He added that candidates must balance their messaging, addressing both Trump-related sentiments and local concerns such as crime reduction and community morale.

The primary also included key races for Atlantic City mayor, further underscoring the high stakes of the election. Voters expressed their desire for candidates to address pressing local issues, reflecting the broader significance of the primaries in shaping New Jersey's political landscape.