As the Garden State gears up for its 2025 gubernatorial election, political attention is zeroing in on what promises to be one of the most consequential races in recent New Jersey history. With Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and Republican former State Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli emerging as the major party nominees, voters are preparing to choose a direction for New Jersey’s future—one shaped by affordability, economic recovery, and the state’s relationship with national politics.
🗳️ Visit our dedicated section for the latest updates on New Jersey politics and the 2025 Governor’s race here:
👉 Explore New Jersey Politics
Meet the General Election Candidates
Mikie Sherrill (Democrat)
A former Navy pilot and federal prosecutor, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill represents New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District and has built her political brand around pragmatic governance. Often described as a moderate Democrat, Sherrill won her party’s primary with 34% of the vote, edging out a crowded field of prominent Democratic leaders.
Her campaign has emphasized tackling New Jersey’s skyrocketing cost of living, investing in infrastructure, and defending democratic institutions. She’s positioned herself as a problem-solver focused on bipartisan solutions, while also taking a firm stance against policies tied to former President Donald Trump. According to a recent Rutgers-Eagleton poll, Sherrill currently holds a lead over her Republican opponent.
Jack Ciattarelli (Republican)
Jack Ciattarelli is no stranger to statewide races. As the GOP’s 2021 nominee, he came within striking distance of unseating Governor Phil Murphy. Now, in 2025, Ciattarelli returns with a stronger campaign infrastructure and a clear message: “It’s time for big change.”
Winning the Republican primary with a commanding 68% of the vote, Ciattarelli has focused on issues like property tax reform, pension restructuring, and making New Jersey more affordable for working families. His running mate, Morris County Sheriff Jim Gannon, brings a law-and-order perspective to the ticket. Ciattarelli has also gained the endorsement of the New Jersey Retired Police and Firemen’s Association, a powerful signal of support from public safety professionals concerned about pension stability and inflation. You can read more about that endorsement in our Politics section.
Former Primary Contenders
Before Sherrill and Ciattarelli secured their nominations, the primary fields for both parties featured well-known political heavyweights:
Democratic Primary Candidates:
- Ras Baraka – Mayor of Newark, known for his focus on urban revitalization and community-based policing.
- Steve Fulop – Mayor of Jersey City, a progressive voice with a strong economic development record.
- Josh Gottheimer – Congressman from NJ’s 5th District, known for centrist policies and bipartisan outreach.
- Sean Spiller – President of the NJ Education Association, with a platform centered on public education and labor rights.
- Steve Sweeney – Former State Senate President, respected for his legislative experience and fiscal policy focus.
Republican Primary Candidates:
- Justin Barbera – A construction firm owner, bringing a business-first, outsider approach.
- Jon Bramnick – State Senator and seasoned legislator, offering a more moderate Republican viewpoint.
- Mario Kranjac – Lawyer and former Mayor of Englewood Cliffs.
- Bill Spadea – Former talk radio host with strong grassroots support and populist rhetoric.
The Big Issues Driving the 2025 Race
Whether you’re voting blue, red, or undecided, the issues at stake in this year’s gubernatorial contest cut across party lines:
- Property Taxes: New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the nation. Both candidates have vowed to take action—though their proposed solutions vary significantly.
- Cost of Living: Inflation, housing affordability, and healthcare costs continue to stretch household budgets. Ciattarelli emphasizes tax reform and spending cuts, while Sherrill promotes targeted investments and federal support.
- Public Safety and Pensions: The NJ Retired Police and Firemen’s Association’s endorsement of Ciattarelli underscores a major issue for public sector retirees—restoring Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) that have been frozen since 2011. Their support hinges on Ciattarelli’s promise to address this issue if elected governor.
- National Politics: As much as this is a state-level election, national dynamics loom large. Sherrill has framed herself as a bulwark against Trumpism, while Ciattarelli has accepted an endorsement from former President Trump—placing each candidate clearly in alignment with their party’s national identity.
Explore deeper coverage of campaign promises, endorsements, and polling data at our comprehensive Politics hub.
Why This Race Matters
The 2025 New Jersey Governor’s race is about more than just who leads the state for the next four years. It’s also a bellwether for the nation. With New Jersey’s unique mix of suburban voters, union households, and diverse communities, the outcome here could provide early insights into the political mood heading into the 2026 midterms.
For voters, it’s a pivotal moment: Do we double down on progressive reforms, or chart a new, more conservative course?
📅 Mark Your Calendar
General Election Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
📲 Stay up to date with breaking developments, candidate interviews, endorsements, and political analysis at Explore New Jersey Politics.
Let’s shape the future of the Garden State—together.
