After a hard-fought race in New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill has won the governor’s seat, defeating Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli.
Voters in New Jersey cast their ballots on Tuesday. With a significant portion of the votes counted, news sources projected Sherrill as the winner, leading Ciattarelli by a notable margin.
Sherrill enjoyed strong backing from prominent Democrats, including several governors and former President Barack Obama. In an endorsement, Obama praised Sherrill’s integrity and commitment to service.
Ciattarelli, on the other hand, had the support of President Donald Trump, who endorsed him earlier this year. Trump highlighted Ciattarelli as an “America First” candidate who would work to advance his agenda.
This election marked Ciattarelli’s third attempt to become governor of New Jersey. He previously ran in 2017 and 2021, with the latter being a surprisingly close race. Sherrill, who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2019, was making her first bid for the governorship.
Ciattarelli’s campaign focused on key issues such as lowering taxes, improving public safety, promoting school choice, and supporting traditional energy sources. He also aimed to address what he sees as problems with the state’s affordable housing mandates, arguing for reforms to prevent over-development in suburban areas.
Sherrill campaigned on promises of affordability, investments in green energy, and progressive healthcare reforms. She supports renewable energy and infrastructure improvements designed to be environmentally friendly.
A major difference between the candidates was their approach to crime and energy. Ciattarelli favored stricter law enforcement policies and supported natural gas and nuclear energy. Sherrill emphasized renewable energy and social programs.
The New Jersey governor’s race is always closely watched, Often voters elect a governor from the opposite party of the sitting president, reflecting the state’s independent streak.
