U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill has emerged victorious in New Jersey’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, while former state assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli claims victory for the Republicans, setting the stage for a competitive general election this November. The Associated Press has projected both outcomes, highlighting the potential impact of President Donald Trump’s presence among voters in the Garden State.
Democrats will be challenged as Governor Phil Murphy cannot seek re-election after two terms. Republicans are eager to seize the governorship, emphasizing a shift they perceive in voter sentiment following last year’s presidential race. During a rally for Ciattarelli held via telephone in early June, Trump expressed, “This year’s election for governor is critical for New Jersey’s future. You’ll decide whether New Jersey is a high tax, high crime, sanctuary state. New Jersey is ready to pop out of that blue horror show.”
While Vice President Kamala Harris won New Jersey by approximately six percentage points in 2024, the margin was much larger when Joe Biden led the state by 16 points in 2020. This evolution suggests that Sherrill may face a tougher campaign as she seeks to appeal to a potentially more conservative electorate.
In her remarks to supporters, Sherrill retorted, “We built a nation, and people say the scars we have are ugly… The president comes here nonstop to his golf course and calls our state a horror show – but come November, we’re sending a shot across the bow.”
The upcoming election will also serve as a gauge for the effectiveness of Trump’s endorsement, especially as he will not be present on the ballot. Ciattarelli may have gained traction in the primary due to Trump’s backing, but he must rally support from Trump’s base without the former president leading the ticket.
“We won because our campaign is about people, not politics… We won because we talked about the issues that matter, the critical issues facing our state and my plan for a safer, more prosperous, and affordable New Jersey,” Ciattarelli stated at his election night gathering.
Sherrill faced a crowded field of opponents in the Democratic primary, including Reps. Josh Gottheimer and former state Senate president Steve Sweeney, as well as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop. In the Republican primary, Ciattarelli competed against Bill Spadea, state Sen. Jon Bramnick, former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac, and contractor Justin Barbera.
This election cycle is poised to be the most expensive in New Jersey’s history, with ad spending exceeding $85 million as reported by media tracking agency AdImpact last Wednesday. Among the Democrats, Gottheimer led the pack with $22.8 million in ads, followed by Fulop with $17.8 million. Ciattarelli topped the Republican side with $5.9 million, significantly outpacing Spadea’s $2.2 million and Bramnick’s $1.2 million. Notably, about 70% of broadcast ads have referenced Trump, reflecting his continued influence in the state.