New Jersey’s 2025 election season is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in recent memory. With a governor’s race that will decide Phil Murphy’s successor, competitive contests for all 80 seats in the General Assembly, and closely watched races at the local level, voters across the Garden State have plenty of reasons to pay attention. Nowhere is the spotlight brighter than in Legislative District 11 (LD11), a diverse and politically competitive district in Monmouth County.
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What Towns Make Up LD11?
After redistricting, Legislative District 11 covers 19 municipalities across Monmouth County. These communities range from coastal towns with rich tourism economies to suburban hubs and historic boroughs. Together, they make LD11 one of the most diverse and politically interesting districts in New Jersey.
Municipalities in LD11 include:
- Allenhurst
- Asbury Park
- Bradley Beach
- Colts Neck
- Deal
- Eatontown
- Fair Haven
- Freehold Borough
- Freehold Township
- Interlaken
- Loch Arbour
- Long Branch
- Neptune City
- Neptune Township
- Ocean Township
- Red Bank
- Shrewsbury Borough
- Shrewsbury Township
- Tinton Falls
This mix of coastal communities, suburban neighborhoods, and urban centers means LD11 has long been seen as a battleground, and the 2025 election will only intensify that reputation.
The Gubernatorial Race
At the top of the ballot is New Jersey’s gubernatorial election, scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025. With Governor Phil Murphy term-limited, voters will choose new leadership for the state.
The candidates:
- Mikie Sherrill (Democrat): A congresswoman, former Navy pilot, and federal prosecutor who won the Democratic primary.
- Jack Ciattarelli (Republican): A former state assemblyman who came close in his previous bid for governor, and secured the Republican nomination again with strong primary support.
Lieutenant Governor Running Mates:
- Sherrill is running alongside Dale Caldwell.
- Ciattarelli has tapped James Gannon.
Key Issues in the Race:
- Affordability & Property Taxes: Consistently ranked as the top concern for New Jersey residents, high property taxes will be front and center in this campaign.
- Housing & Cost of Living: Expanding affordable housing and addressing cost-of-living pressures will play a major role.
- Democracy & Governance: From election security to state policies on transparency, both candidates have framed democracy itself as part of the debate.
This gubernatorial showdown is expected to be closely contested, making every vote count—especially in swing regions like Monmouth County.
General Assembly Elections
In addition to the governor’s race, all 80 seats in the New Jersey General Assembly are on the ballot. Primary results showed unusually high levels of competition, which suggests voters could see shifts in representation.
For LD11, the Assembly races are particularly important, as the district has flipped in past elections and could once again play a role in determining party control in Trenton.
Key Election Deadlines & Voting Information
Making your voice heard starts with knowing the rules and deadlines. Here’s a full breakdown for the 2025 New Jersey General Election:
- Voter Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 (online, by mail, or in person).
- Vote-by-Mail Applications:
- By mail: Must be received by the county clerk by Tuesday, October 28.
- In person: Available until 3 p.m. on Monday, November 3 at your county clerk’s office.
- Overseas civilian & military voters: Deadline is Friday, October 31.
- Early In-Person Voting:
- Runs from Saturday, October 25 through Sunday, November 2.
- Hours: Weekdays & Saturdays, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with polls open 6 a.m.–8 p.m..
- Returning Ballots: Ballots may be mailed (postmarked by Election Day), dropped in secure ballot boxes, or delivered in person to the county Board of Elections by 8 p.m.
What’s New for 2025
New Jersey voting procedures have changed in 2025, and voters should be aware of the updates:
- Extended Early Voting: Voters now have more days to cast their ballots in person before Election Day.
- New Primary Ballot Format: The “office block” style is now mandatory, meaning candidates are listed by the office they seek rather than grouped by political line.
These changes are intended to expand voter access and simplify the ballot process, though it may take time for residents to adjust.
Why LD11 Matters
LD11 is more than just a list of towns—it’s a microcosm of New Jersey itself. From the vibrant arts and music scene of Asbury Park to the historic heart of Freehold and the coastal communities of Bradley Beach and Long Branch, this district reflects the Garden State’s cultural and economic diversity.
In past cycles, LD11 races have been some of the most closely watched in the state. The balance of power in Trenton could hinge on how voters in this district make their choices in November.
Stay Informed and Be Ready to Vote
Elections in New Jersey are always dynamic, and 2025 is no exception. Between the open governor’s seat, statewide Assembly races, and the always-competitive LD11 contests, voters have an opportunity to help shape the state’s future in profound ways.
✅ Learn more about statewide and local races here: Explore New Jersey Politics
Make sure you’re registered, know your polling place, and take advantage of early voting or vote-by-mail options if needed. However you cast your ballot, your participation matters in deciding the direction of New Jersey.
