As New Jersey prepares for its primary elections on Tuesday, the race to succeed Governor Phil Murphy is heating up. Murphy, a Democrat, is unable to seek re-election after two terms, making the upcoming gubernatorial contest pivotal not only for the state but potentially for the national mood ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
In the Democratic primary, candidates are debating how best to counter President Donald Trump’s influence in New Jersey, with an emphasis on retaining the governorship for their party. Representative Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot representing the 11th Congressional District, currently leads in the polls among six Democratic contenders. However, the wide field suggests that the contest remains wide open.
Sherrill is up against a notable group of Democrats, including Representative Josh Gottheimer from the 5th District, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney.
On the Republican side, candidates are equally determined to flip New Jersey’s governorship in November. Former state assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, who narrowly lost to Murphy in 2021, has received Trump’s endorsement. “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,” Trump remarked during a recent telephone rally. “New Jersey is ready to pop out of that blue horror show.”
Ciattarelli faces competition from conservative radio host Bill Spadea, state Senator Jon Bramnick, former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac, and contractor Justin Barbera.
The financial stakes of this election are unprecedented, with projections indicating it could be the most expensive in New Jersey’s history. As of last Wednesday, more than $85 million had been spent on advertising according to media tracking firm AdImpact. Among the Democrats, Gottheimer leads with a substantial $22.8 million in ad spending, followed by Fulop with $17.8 million. For the Republicans, Ciattarelli is ahead with $5.9 million in ad support, significantly outpacing Spadea’s $2.2 million and Bramnick’s $1.2 million.
Recent statistics reveal that roughly 70% of broadcast ads have referenced Trump, underscoring his ongoing influence in the race.
This election cycle is poised to attract considerable attention as candidates vie for control of New Jersey’s gubernatorial seat, pivotal for the future political landscape of the state and beyond.