As summer winds down and political season ramps up, all eyes in New Jersey are focused on the upcoming 2025 gubernatorial election, shaping up to be one of the most high-stakes races in recent memory.
With Governor Phil Murphy’s second term ending, the race to lead the Garden State into its next political chapter is officially underway. This time, it’s Democratic U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill versus Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a familiar name who previously ran in 2021.
From taxes and social policy to mail-in ballots and party strategy, the issues—and the tensions—are heating up. Let’s explore what’s happening in New Jersey politics and what it could mean for voters across the state.
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🗳️ Meet the Candidates: Sherrill vs. Ciattarelli
Mikie Sherrill (D)
A Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill has built her brand on moderate Democratic values. She secured the Democratic nomination in June, defeating a primary field that included several powerful local mayors. Sherrill is campaigning on strengthening the economy, protecting reproductive rights, and advancing inclusive policies—particularly around LGBTQ+ rights.
Jack Ciattarelli (R)
On the Republican side, Jack Ciattarelli returns to the ballot with the goal of finishing what he started in 2021, when he came surprisingly close to unseating Murphy. Ciattarelli’s platform focuses on reducing taxes, cutting regulations, addressing immigration concerns, and restoring what he calls “common sense leadership.” While he embraces core GOP values, Ciattarelli has had to walk a political tightrope with Donald Trump’s influence still looming.
📊 The Polls: A Tight Race Is Emerging
A Fairleigh Dickinson University poll from July 2025 revealed a narrow lead for Sherrill—45% to Ciattarelli’s 37% among likely voters. With independent voters expected to sway the outcome, both campaigns are working hard to define the race before early voting begins.
The closeness of the race shows that while New Jersey leans blue, there’s still political volatility—and both sides know it.
💰 Money Matters: The Democratic Ad Blitz Begins
One of the most telling stories of this race so far is how unevenly the two campaigns are being funded—particularly in television ad buys.
As of late August, Democrats have already locked in $17.5 million in advertising across the state. The GOP? Zero reserved airtime at the time of reporting. That discrepancy has sparked concern among Republicans, with conservative commentators warning that the party missed a key opportunity to define Sherrill early.
However, some argue that it’s still summer, and most voters aren’t fully tuned in yet. That might give Republicans a little breathing room—but not much. Mail-in ballots begin going out on September 20th, so the clock is ticking.
✉️ Mail-In Voting Strategy and Messaging Gaps
While the national GOP remains hesitant on mail-in voting, Team Ciattarelli is pushing hard locally, encouraging Republicans to apply early. Lieutenant Governor candidate Jim Gannon, currently the Morris County Sheriff, has been spotted helping volunteers stuff envelopes with Vote-by-Mail applications in Morris County.
Their message: “Every vote counts—and the deadline to apply is October 14th.”
But there’s a twist: Donald Trump has repeatedly denounced mail-in voting, creating a mixed message for Republican voters. This contradiction could pose a challenge for the Ciattarelli camp as they try to mobilize conservative voters through a method that Trump himself discredits.
🔥 The Issues: What Matters to New Jersey Voters?
Here’s what’s dominating the conversation on both sides of the political aisle:
🔧 Taxes & Economy
Taxes continue to be a top issue—especially in a state known for some of the highest property taxes in the country. Ciattarelli is hammering this point, promising tax relief and cuts. Sherrill, meanwhile, is focused on maintaining fiscal responsibility while expanding opportunities for working families.
🌎 Immigration & Social Policy
Ciattarelli has taken a tougher stance on immigration, aligning with national Republican positions. Sherrill, by contrast, supports inclusive immigration reform and has gained the backing of pro-LGBTQ+ advocacy groups due to her vocal support of equal rights legislation.
🏠 Housing and Homelessness
With housing insecurity rising across the state, both candidates have been asked to address affordable housing and homelessness. Sherrill supports state-level reinvestment policies, while Ciattarelli wants to scale back regulations to allow for more private sector development.
👵 Seniors and Healthcare
AARP has questioned both candidates about their plans for aging residents. Expect senior services, long-term care, and healthcare affordability to remain hot-button issues throughout the fall.
🏛️ The Bigger Picture: Who Holds the Power?
It’s important to understand the current political landscape:
- Democrats hold the trifecta: the governor’s office, the State Senate, and the General Assembly.
- They’ve controlled the state legislature since 2004.
- In the 2023 state elections, Democrats maintained control with a 25–15 majority in the Senate and a 52–28 majority in the Assembly.
- The 2024 U.S. Senate race was also a win for Democrats, with Andy Kim defeating Curtis Bashaw following Bob Menendez’s departure.
Despite these advantages, internal party divisions—particularly in Hudson County, where machine politics is being challenged—show that not all is calm within the Democratic stronghold.
🚨 Key Deadlines for Voters
- Mail-In Ballots Sent: Starting September 20, 2025
- Deadline to Apply for Mail-In Ballot: October 14, 2025
- Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Final Thoughts: Will New Jersey Stay Blue?
New Jersey has voted Democratic in every presidential election since 1992. But gubernatorial races often tell a different story—especially when the state is looking for change.
With tight polling, passionate debates, and contrasting visions for New Jersey’s future, this election is far from decided.
No matter where you stand politically, one thing is clear: 2025 is a defining moment for New Jersey.
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