With just over a week until New Jersey voters head to the polls on November 4, the gubernatorial race between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli is entering its final, frenzied stretch. Recent polls, including a Rutgers-Eagleton survey, show Sherrill holding a slim five-point lead among likely voters, though this margin falls within the poll’s error range. Other surveys present a mixed picture, indicating that the contest remains highly competitive. Republicans have emphasized fiscal concerns, warning that Governor Phil Murphy’s administration has left a substantial budget gap for the next governor. While the Murphy administration cites a $1.5 billion gap, Ciattarelli’s team suggests the figure could approach $4 billion, once obligations like the Stay NJ property tax relief program are factored in.
Early in-person voting has already begun, with over 163,000 ballots cast this past weekend, reflecting a surge in voter engagement driven by campaigns and community organizations. The final days before the election are seeing intensified outreach, particularly to historically underrepresented groups. Ciattarelli, for instance, has focused on Latino voter outreach, visiting Passaic County and securing endorsements from local faith leaders. The candidate will also appear at a town hall hosted by Fox News personality Sean Hannity on October 30 in Point Pleasant, seeking to energize his base and sway undecided voters.
Affordable housing continues to be a key dividing line between the candidates. Sherrill advocates for accelerated implementation of the current state housing system, emphasizing both equity and speed, while Ciattarelli is pressing for a comprehensive rewrite of New Jersey’s affordable housing laws, arguing for greater flexibility and local control. Meanwhile, federal oversight has entered the spotlight, with the Trump administration announcing plans to send federal election monitors to Passaic County, a move that has drawn objections from state officials concerned about federal interference in local elections.
In addition to gubernatorial developments, the federal government shutdown has brought attention to health insurance affordability in New Jersey. The expiration of enhanced federal health insurance subsidies is expected to push premiums higher in 2026, adding pressure on the state’s residents and potentially influencing voter priorities.
Students across New Jersey are also making their voices heard. At Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, students have been spearheading voter registration and civic engagement campaigns, aiming to boost turnout on Election Day. In parallel, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s office is promoting the Congressional App Challenge for NJ-11, which encourages middle and high school students to submit original apps or computer programs. Submissions are due by 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, and winners will be recognized by Sherrill, with their apps featured on the official Congressional App Challenge website. This initiative not only encourages technological literacy but also strengthens young residents’ connections to civic processes, illustrating the intersection of politics, education, and community engagement.
As New Jersey approaches the November 4 election, voter participation is shaping up to be a decisive factor. Early voting momentum, targeted outreach, and youth involvement are all contributing to an energized electorate, highlighting the significance of civic engagement and the impact of grassroots efforts on statewide political outcomes. More insights on the New Jersey election landscape, campaign developments, and voter initiatives can be found at https://explorenewjersey.org/politics/.
