As the summer winds down and Labor Day approaches, New Jersey’s political spotlight is squarely on the 2025 gubernatorial election. Candidates are out on the campaign trail, major policy issues are sparking debate, and new developments in state government continue to shape the conversation.
With Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill and Republican former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli leading the ticket, voters are gearing up for what could be one of the most consequential — and expensive — gubernatorial contests in the state’s history.
Stay informed with the latest updates at Explore New Jersey Politics.
The Gubernatorial Race: Sherrill vs. Ciattarelli
The November election is shaping up as a high-stakes battle between two familiar names in Garden State politics.
- Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee, is running with Dale Caldwell, president of Centenary University, as her pick for lieutenant governor. Sherrill is focusing her campaign on economic growth, protecting reproductive rights, and continuing New Jersey’s renewable energy push.
- Jack Ciattarelli, who previously ran against Governor Phil Murphy in 2021, is back on the ballot. This time, he has selected Morris County Sheriff James Gannon as his running mate. Ciattarelli has sharpened his message around parental rights and tax relief, aiming to energize the Republican base.
On Thursday, Ciattarelli addressed a Moms for Liberty rally in Jersey City, doubling down on his opposition to state school policies around gender identity. The policy, first called for by a 2017 law, allows students to assert their gender identity at school without requiring parental notification — a controversial issue that also played a major role in the 2023 legislative elections.
Fundraising, Spending, and Record Costs
This year’s gubernatorial race is already on track to be the most expensive in state history. Independent political groups have been pouring money into the contest, with significantly more funding spent so far to support Sherrill than Ciattarelli.
The Brennan Center for Justice reported in July that campaign expenditures are setting new records, raising questions about the influence of outside groups and how the massive sums could shape messaging as Election Day nears.
Voter Registration: The Numbers Behind the Race
Republicans have made steady gains in voter registration during Governor Murphy’s two terms, reflecting enthusiasm and momentum within the party. Still, Democrats maintain a commanding lead of more than 860,000 registered voters statewide, giving Sherrill’s campaign a statistical advantage heading into November.
GOP Divide: Bill Spadea Refuses to Back Ciattarelli
In a move that has rippled through Republican circles, conservative commentator Bill Spadea announced he would not endorse Ciattarelli, calling him “wrong for New Jersey.” Spadea has long been critical of Ciattarelli, even drawing comparisons between him and Governor Murphy during the 2021 election.
The split reflects a broader tension inside the GOP, where some activists want a harder line on issues like homeschooling, gender policies, and state spending. Ciattarelli has tried to navigate these waters by appearing with parental rights groups to protest what he calls “anti-homeschooling bills” being advanced by Democrats in Trenton.
Statehouse Updates: Policy and Governance
While the gubernatorial race dominates headlines, Trenton is buzzing with other significant developments:
- Sales Tax Holiday Debate: Republican Senator Carmen Amato is pushing to reinstate the back-to-school sales tax holiday, eliminated by Governor Murphy last year. Amato argues its repeal adds unnecessary strain on families and teachers already facing high costs.
- Campaign Funds for Security: In response to rising threats and political violence, the Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) has proposed new rules allowing candidates to use campaign money for personal and event security.
- Hurricane Erin Emergency Lifted: Governor Murphy officially ended the state of emergency on August 27, originally declared a week earlier as Hurricane Erin impacted the coast.
- Energy and Climate Initiatives: Murphy also signed two major renewable energy bills this month — one expanding community solar access and another creating incentives for large-scale battery storage. Both measures aim to combat high energy costs while moving New Jersey closer to its clean energy targets.
Other Political Headlines
- Florida Targets NJ Driver’s License Law: Florida officials are challenging New Jersey’s policy that allows undocumented migrants to obtain driver’s licenses, a law that has become a flashpoint in the national immigration debate.
- Trump Golf Clubs Under Review: The state continues to review the liquor licenses at Donald Trump’s New Jersey golf clubs following his felony conviction, with no resolution yet in sight.
- Remembering Lillian Burry: Longtime Monmouth County leader Lillian Burry, who served as freeholder, passed away at age 89. She was remembered for her decades of public service and advocacy in local government.
- Labor and Unions: Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli recently spoke directly to rank-and-file union members, reminding them that New Jersey’s labor movement is “about collective labor” and solidarity as contract negotiations loom across multiple sectors.
Looking Ahead
With just over two months until Election Day, the 2025 gubernatorial race is accelerating into its most intense phase. Both campaigns are ramping up rallies, sharpening messages, and fighting for undecided voters in a state where turnout can swing dramatically depending on enthusiasm and local issues.
Beyond the election, New Jersey politics remains defined by the familiar push-and-pull of affordability, education policy, climate change, and labor rights. The coming weeks promise even more developments as candidates, lawmakers, and communities gear up for a defining moment in the state’s political future.
Stay connected with the latest coverage and insights at Explore New Jersey Politics
