Politics in New Jersey is heating up as campaigns, controversies, and policy debates take center stage heading into the fall. From the race for governor to developments in Washington with ripple effects in the Garden State, voters are being asked to pay close attention to issues that will define the coming year.
A new poll has put national politics back in the spotlight, showing a strong majority of New Jerseyans expressing support for former President Donald Trump’s proposed deportation policy. The findings from the TIPP survey suggest that the 2025 election cycle could be highly competitive in the state, with Republican candidates seeking to align themselves with Trump’s hardline stance. For gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli, the challenge will be balancing Trump’s continued influence with his own need to attract independents and suburban moderates in order to overcome Democratic frontrunner Mikie Sherrill.
Congress returned to session this week with renewed focus on the controversy surrounding the late Jeffrey Epstein. A ceremonial resolution tied to calls for further investigation drew mixed responses from New Jersey’s congressional delegation, with votes breaking along familiar partisan lines. While Democrats largely supported the measure, some Republicans expressed concerns about reopening past inquiries.
At the same time, Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey delivered one of the week’s most forceful statements in Washington, calling for Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign. Citing what he called Kennedy’s “complete disregard for science,” Kim argued that the secretary’s skepticism of vaccines threatens public health. His remarks echoed broader bipartisan criticism, as Republican Senator John Barrasso, a physician, also pressed Kennedy over vaccine policy during a Senate committee hearing.
The governor’s race remains the dominant storyline at home. Recent polling shows Sherrill with a seven-point lead over Ciattarelli among likely voters, underscoring the uphill battle facing Republicans in a state where Democrats hold a significant registration advantage. Sherrill has secured key labor backing, including formal support from the Painters Union, while her campaign continues to hammer Ciattarelli over his legislative record, particularly his past positions on Superstorm Sandy relief. Republicans, meanwhile, are leaning into outsider narratives and messaging tied to national populist themes.
Independent candidate Darrell Armstrong has also entered the mix, bringing a deeply personal story that resonates with many voters. From his upbringing in South Central Los Angeles and experiences with family hardship, to his academic success at Stanford and Princeton, Armstrong’s path to becoming pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton has centered around advocacy for children and families. His gubernatorial run aims to extend that mission to statewide leadership.
In Bergen County, longtime executive Jim Tedesco has announced plans to seek a fourth term, ensuring another high-profile race in one of the state’s most politically active counties. On the municipal level, Garfield Mayor Richard Rigoglioso surprised many by switching parties and endorsing Ciattarelli. Elsewhere, Hoboken mayoral candidate David Jabbour launched a digital advertising push, while former Newark mayoral aide Tony Jackson pleaded guilty to accepting bribes, adding a layer of scandal to local politics.
Fundraising disclosures released by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission reveal the growing intensity of campaign spending. Both major gubernatorial campaigns are pouring resources into advertising ahead of debates scheduled later this fall.
Policy developments also dominated the week. Governor Phil Murphy reached an agreement with public sector unions that promises healthcare savings through new deductibles and copay structures for fiscal year 2026. In addition, Murphy signed legislation strengthening workers’ rights and expanding labor education initiatives. The state also announced an additional $10.85 million in opioid settlement funds to support treatment and prevention programs, while the Department of Community Affairs opened the application period for $35 million in affordable housing trust fund grants.
On the legal front, the federal appeals court referred a challenge to New Jersey’s Daniel’s Law back to the state Supreme Court, which will decide whether violations require proof of “wrongful intent.”
At the federal level, looming uncertainty about a government shutdown has New Jersey’s Democratic senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim, signaling they are prepared to block the latest Republican funding bill. Trump’s ongoing legal battles, including several cases with ties to New Jersey, have also caused trial delays, adding to political volatility. Criticism has mounted from figures such as Alina Habba regarding the pace of federal judicial nominations.
Meanwhile, governors across the country—including New Jersey’s—are weighing how to respond to President Trump’s request for additional National Guard troops and federal agents. The debate underscores the increasingly direct role national security policy is playing in state governance.
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Rep. Mikie Sherrill Joins Veterans and Community Leaders at Morris County Appreciation Day. Morris Plains recently hosted a moving ceremony honoring local veterans, bringing together service members, families, and community partners for a Morris County Veterans Appreciation Day picnic. The event was organized in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, VFW Post 3401, American Legion Post 59, Welcome Home Vets of New Jersey, NJ SOS Veterans Stakeholders Group, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Paterson, and other local organizations dedicated to supporting veterans.
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, who represents New Jersey’s 11th District, was among those in attendance. A former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, Sherrill joined county officials, community leaders, and advocacy groups in recognizing the service and sacrifices of New Jersey’s veterans.
The picnic was more than a celebration—it underscored the importance of sustained support for veterans long after their service has ended. Veterans and their families were welcomed with gratitude, conversation, and camaraderie, a reminder that appreciation extends beyond symbolic gestures. For Sherrill and her colleagues, the event highlighted the need for continued investment in veterans’ services, including ensuring the Department of Veterans Affairs has the resources necessary to deliver high-quality care.
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Sherrill’s commitment to veterans’ issues has been a defining feature of her time in Congress. She has been vocal in advancing legislation that addresses mental health challenges facing veterans, defending abortion rights for servicewomen, and safeguarding critical military facilities like Picatinny Arsenal. Most recently, she joined fellow veterans in Congress to launch the Democratic Veterans Caucus. This new group was created in response to rising global threats, concerns over breaches of national security, and ongoing efforts to protect health care access for veterans across the country.
The Appreciation Day event reflected the collective effort of New Jersey’s veteran community and their supporters. Organizations like Welcome Home Vets of NJ and the NJ SOS Veterans Stakeholders Group play an essential role in connecting veterans with resources, addressing challenges such as housing insecurity and mental health, and making sure those who served are not left behind.
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Moments like these reinforce the value of community in recognizing the contributions of veterans while also spotlighting the challenges they continue to face. As veterans across Morris County gathered to reconnect and reflect, the message was clear: honoring service means committing to the well-being of veterans and their families every day.
With just months to go before voters head to the polls, the Garden State finds itself at the crossroads of national and local politics. Between the governor’s race, the future of public health leadership, labor reforms, and questions of federal funding, the choices made in Trenton and Washington will have a lasting impact across New Jersey. For continued in-depth coverage of New Jersey’s politics, sports, culture, and more, follow Explore New Jersey’s Political updates. For more updates on New Jersey politics, community initiatives, and public service efforts, visit Explore New Jersey Politics and stay informed on the issues shaping the Garden State.
