As August closes and Labor Day approaches, New Jersey’s political landscape is buzzing with developments that could shape both the 2025 gubernatorial race and the state’s long-term policy future. From campaign strategies and polling shifts to newly enacted laws on pay transparency and housing, Garden State voters are seeing how local politics connect directly to their daily lives.
For readers who want a complete view of statewide campaigns, legislative changes, and breaking updates, Explore New Jersey’s Politics section is the go-to place to track it all.
The Gubernatorial Race Heats Up
With less than three months before Election Day, the race to succeed Governor Phil Murphy has entered a decisive stretch.
Jack Ciattarelli’s Strategy
Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli is actively working to unify his party following a contentious GOP primary. His campaign has reached out to multiple factions—those aligned with Donald Trump, voters who supported rival Bill Spadea, and moderate Republicans skeptical of both.
Campaigning alongside get-out-the-vote activist Scott Presler, Ciattarelli has also taken steps to broaden his coalition, seeking support from Black voters and signaling he would welcome an appearance by Trump on the campaign trail. His choice of Morris County Sheriff James Gannon as his running mate underscores a law-and-order message aimed at suburban voters.
Mikie Sherrill’s Campaign
On the Democratic side, Mikie Sherrill is balancing her centrist appeal with progressive roots. Her running mate, Dale Caldwell, is both a university president and a Black pastor with ties to the charter school movement. Caldwell previously served under former Governor James McGreevey, giving the ticket additional institutional experience.
Polling Insights
According to the latest Rutgers-Eagleton poll, half of New Jersey voters oppose the “MAGA” movement, highlighting the challenge Republicans face in a state that leans blue. While Ciattarelli is banking on Trump voters to turn out in force, the polling suggests independents and moderate Democrats could be decisive in November.
Green Party Exit
The Green Party’s gubernatorial candidate, Lily Benavides, has suspended her campaign after falling short of the petition signatures needed to appear on the ballot. That exit clears the field and may shift progressive-leaning independents toward Sherrill’s campaign.
Legislative and State Government Updates
Beyond campaign rhetoric, Trenton has been busy with laws and regulations designed to address pressing challenges in housing, the environment, and affordability.
- Pay Transparency: Employers must now disclose salary ranges in job postings, giving workers more clarity in negotiations.
- Energy Policy: Lawmakers are pushing to expand affordable, renewable, and reliable energy capacity by 2030, with discussions underway to manage regional cost disparities.
- Housing Affordability: New zoning incentives are being introduced to encourage development, while stricter deed restrictions aim to preserve affordable housing stock. A proposed bill would levy fees on corporate owners who leave properties abandoned.
- Digital IDs: The MVC has rolled out digital driver’s licenses and non-driver ID cards, modernizing state-issued identification.
Governor Murphy also lifted the State of Emergency connected to Hurricane Erin’s offshore impacts, clearing the way for recovery without further emergency restrictions.
Environmental and Infrastructure Investments
The NJ Department of Environmental Protection is expanding its grant programs to protect coastal wetlands, restore forests, and plant urban tree canopies. These initiatives reflect New Jersey’s ongoing fight against climate change and its commitment to tackling PFAS contamination.
Meanwhile, over $161 million in grants were announced for local road, bridge, and safety improvements—key infrastructure investments that will impact nearly every county in the state.
Campaign Finance and Security
Rising concerns about political violence have pushed the Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) to consider allowing campaign funds to be used for candidate security. With polarization running high, this debate is gaining urgency ahead of November.
Other Key Political Headlines
- Trump’s Federal Court Legacy: Former President Donald Trump’s judicial appointments, along with legal matters connected to his inner circle, continue to cause delays in New Jersey’s federal courts.
- Immigration Tensions: New Jersey cities are resisting the Trump administration’s lawsuit against local sanctuary policies, while officials in Florida are targeting New Jersey’s law permitting undocumented migrants to obtain driver’s licenses.
- Congressional Action: Senator Cory Booker is actively gathering public input on reforms to the federal flood insurance program, a critical issue for coastal communities.
- Small Business Support: The state’s Business Action Center has secured $400,000 in federal funds to help underserved entrepreneurs expand into export markets.
Looking Ahead
With New Jersey’s gubernatorial race drawing national attention and legislative priorities reshaping the state’s economy and environment, voters have a lot to weigh in the months ahead. From energy policy to gambling regulation, housing affordability to immigration, the decisions made now will ripple through the state for years to come.
Stay updated on every development by visiting our New Jersey Politics hub—your resource for breaking news, in-depth analysis, and weekend updates on the issues that matter most to Garden State residents.
