With just two months remaining until Election Day on November 4, the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial race is heating up, signaling a highly competitive battle between Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill and Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli. Recent Rutgers-Eagleton polling shows Sherrill leading by a narrow margin of 44% to 35%, a dramatic decrease from her 20-point lead in June. Affordability, taxation, and economic policy are emerging as the central issues for voters across the state.
Both campaigns are intensifying efforts to connect with voters. Sherrill is emphasizing economic stability, healthcare access, and education investment, while Ciattarelli is pushing tax reform and policy restructuring. Recently, Ciattarelli criticized New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive at an endorsement event, pledging to repeal it and replace Attorney General Matthew Platkin if elected. Despite campaign attacks, he also made a point to clarify that he did not endorse a 10% sales tax hike, countering misleading narratives in recent political ads. Observers have called some of the attack ads “unapologetically manipulative,” reflecting the high-stakes nature of the race as the campaigns approach the home stretch.
Policy debates continue to shape the election landscape. The New Jersey Department of Labor wrapped up a public comment period on a proposed rule redefining “independent contractor,” which drew nearly 12,000 pages of input from businesses and gig workers. Many opposed the measure, arguing that it could remove flexibility and independence for freelancers and contractors. The department’s final decision may implement the rule as proposed, modify it, or discard it entirely based on public feedback.
Governor Phil Murphy has remained active in legislative and policy matters. He announced an allocation of $10.85 million in opioid settlement funds to bolster recovery and prevention programs. In addition, a deal with 17 public sector unions was reached to realize approximately $75 million in recurring health benefit savings for state employees for the second half of fiscal year 2026. Murphy also signed legislation expanding mental health support for first responders, offering up to 12 hours of paid confidential counseling for job-related trauma. To drive economic growth, the governor launched the Office of Strategic Defense Investment, aimed at attracting new military missions and expanding New Jersey’s defense sector. The Fiscal Year 2026 Affordable Housing Trust Fund opened on September 5, providing $45 million in grants to developers and municipalities for affordable housing projects.
Political engagement opportunities are ramping up across the state. A “Speak-Out for Human Rights” candlelight vigil will take place Sunday, September 7, at Monument Square Park in New Brunswick, focusing on unity and civic engagement. Governor Murphy and other East Coast leaders highlighted worker contributions in a Labor Day statement, underscoring offshore wind and renewable energy initiatives. Local campaigns include advocacy for fair wages for Camden County librarians, virtual phone banking events for Sherrill, and public meetings to discuss issue campaigns and encourage voter participation.
The 2025 gubernatorial race reflects a dynamic and fast-moving political environment in New Jersey, with campaign strategies, policy debates, and voter outreach all intensifying as Election Day nears. For ongoing coverage and updates on political developments in the state, visit Explore New Jersey Politics.
Upcoming New Jersey Political Events (September–November 2025)
September 2025
- Tue, Sept 9, 6:30 PM: Camden County Library Commission – Advocacy Event for Librarian Wage Increase. Residents and supporters gather to demand fair pay for county librarians.
- Wed, Sept 10, 7:00 PM: Virtual Phone Bank for Mikie Sherrill. Democratic supporters can participate in training and phone outreach from home.
- Sun, Sept 7: “Speak-Out for Human Rights” Candlelight Vigil – Monument Square Park, New Brunswick. Civic event promoting unity and human rights.
- Mon, Sept 15, 8:00 PM: September 2025 Monthly Public Meeting – Discussion of ongoing campaigns and upcoming elections.
October 2025
- Early October: Planned debates between Sherrill and Ciattarelli (exact dates TBD). Both campaigns will present platforms on taxes, economic policy, and statewide issues.
- October 10–31: Get Out the Vote and canvassing campaigns statewide. Local parties and advocacy groups will focus on mobilizing voters ahead of early voting and Election Day.
November 2025
- Mon, Nov 3: Final day of early voting in New Jersey.
- Tue, Nov 4: Election Day – Polls open statewide to elect New Jersey Governor and other key offices.
These events provide opportunities for voters to engage, advocate, and participate directly in shaping the political future of New Jersey, ensuring citizens remain informed as the state approaches a critical election cycle.
