New Jersey Voters Head to the Polls to Elect Governor
TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey residents are casting their votes for the next governor, in an election that could show whether the state is shifting away from the Democratic Party.
Jack Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker, is running as a Republican, aiming to be the first Republican governor since 2018. He’s up against U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat who has served in Congress.
The election results may indicate how voters feel about the current direction of the country and whether they support the Democratic leadership.
Voting started with some trouble. Election officials in several counties received bomb threats by email, but law enforcement determined the threats were not real.
Ciattarelli, who is running for governor for the third time, is making the case that New Jersey needs a change from Democratic control. He highlights his experience as a businessman and his ties to the state. He argues that having a Republican governor will benefit New Jersey.
Sherrill is focusing on what she sees as resistance to policies that don’t align with New Jersey’s interests. She also emphasizes her background as a Navy officer and prosecutor.
Both candidates say they want to address the rising cost of living.
Former President Donald Trump has encouraged voters to support Ciattarelli, saying he will bring down costs.
In the last presidential election, while New Jersey went to the Democratic candidate, Trump narrowed the gap, gaining ground with Hispanic voters. The Democratic Party’s advantage in voter registration has also decreased in recent years.
Ciattarelli has expressed support for some of President Trump’s policies.
The U.S. Department of Justice is monitoring voting locations in one county, Passaic County, which used to be a Democratic area but voted for Trump in 2024.
Besides the governor’s race, all seats in the state Assembly are also up for election. The Democrats currently hold a majority in the Assembly.
