Explore New Jersey

Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill is officially in her final weeks of the campaign as the Democratic nominee for New Jersey governor, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest against Republican Jack Ciattarelli. With the Garden State’s election one of only two gubernatorial races taking place in the first year of Donald Trump’s new presidency, the outcome is drawing attention not just locally but nationally. Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and a three-term congresswoman, is emphasizing her experience in public service and her commitment to addressing the pressing challenges facing New Jersey residents.

Energy costs are at the top of Sherrill’s agenda. With household and business bills rising sharply over the past year, she argues that practical solutions are essential to prevent New Jersey families from being overburdened. Sherrill proposes a combination of targeted energy relief programs, incentives for renewable energy adoption, and strategic investment in infrastructure that can lower costs while maintaining the state’s environmental commitments. She stresses that affordability and sustainability do not have to be mutually exclusive.

Housing affordability is another central concern. Sherrill points to the state’s limited inventory of reasonably priced homes and rising rents as a growing crisis that affects young professionals, families, and seniors alike. Her campaign plan includes incentivizing development near transit hubs, streamlining zoning approvals, and expanding programs that help first-time buyers enter the housing market. “New Jersey should be a place where everyone has the opportunity to live, work, and thrive,” Sherrill says.

Taxes remain a hot-button issue in the gubernatorial race, and Sherrill has outlined her approach to easing the financial pressure on residents while funding essential public services. She emphasizes the need for fiscal responsibility, targeted relief for middle- and lower-income families, and measures that ensure long-term sustainability without undermining education, healthcare, or infrastructure priorities.

Sherrill also positions herself as a bridge between progressive values and practical governance. She highlights her experience in Congress, including bipartisan efforts on veterans’ issues, healthcare, and economic development, as proof that she can lead New Jersey effectively while addressing partisan divides. The congresswoman is careful to frame her campaign as forward-looking, with a focus on tangible improvements in residents’ daily lives rather than partisan rhetoric.

Outgoing Governor Phil Murphy’s record is also a factor in the race. While Sherrill supports many of Murphy’s initiatives, she emphasizes her own vision for building on successes while addressing shortcomings, particularly in affordability and housing. “We have made progress, but there is more to do,” she says. “My campaign is about creating solutions that work for everyone in New Jersey, not just the privileged few.”

Sherrill’s campaign is expected to be closely watched as debates, town halls, and statewide appearances dominate the political calendar. Voters will be evaluating not only her policy proposals but also her ability to maintain a strong connection with residents across the state while facing a well-known and experienced opponent. The election is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent New Jersey history, with the potential to set the tone for both state and national politics in the years ahead. For ongoing updates, coverage, and analysis of New Jersey’s gubernatorial race, visit Explore New Jersey’s Politics section.

Supporters of Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee for New Jersey governor, have the opportunity to make a difference from the comfort of their own homes with an upcoming virtual phone bank organized by the South Jersey Progressive Democrats. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. EDT, with an additional session the following day. Participants can join from anywhere, making it accessible for volunteers across the state and beyond.

The virtual phone bank is designed to engage voters directly and help build momentum for Sherrill’s campaign. Volunteers will be guided through a brief training session covering the calling script and platform, ensuring that no prior experience is required. Whether it is someone’s first time volunteering or their hundredth, every call contributes to raising awareness about Sherrill’s platform and connecting with voters across New Jersey.

Mikie Sherrill’s campaign focuses on key issues such as housing affordability, energy costs, taxation, and creating opportunities for residents while maintaining New Jersey’s progressive trajectory. By participating in the phone bank, volunteers can play a crucial role in spreading her message, encouraging civic engagement, and helping shape the outcome of one of the most closely watched gubernatorial races in the country.

The virtual format of the event allows participants to contribute safely and conveniently, highlighting the increasing role technology plays in modern political campaigns. Supporters will not only learn the logistics of phone banking but also gain insight into how grassroots efforts can significantly impact voter turnout and engagement in critical elections.

For more information on New Jersey politics, upcoming campaign events, and ways to get involved, visit Explore New Jersey’s Politics section.

The race to become New Jersey’s next governor is officially underway, and once again, former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli is front and center. Representing the Republican Party, Ciattarelli will go head-to-head with Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill in what’s shaping up to be one of the most closely watched elections in the country. With only two gubernatorial contests taking place during the first year of Donald Trump’s new presidency, national eyes are fixed on New Jersey to see whether the state continues its Democratic streak or flips red for the first time in over a decade.

For Ciattarelli, this marks his third consecutive bid for the governor’s office, and he’s entering the race with a clear message: New Jersey needs practical leadership focused on affordability, accountability, and restoring balance to Trenton. Over the past several election cycles, the Somerset County native has built a reputation as a policy-minded conservative who understands the nuances of the Garden State’s financial and social challenges.

During a recent conversation, Ciattarelli outlined his priorities, emphasizing the kitchen-table issues that many New Jersey residents face daily — soaring energy costs, rising property taxes, and a lack of affordable housing. “People in New Jersey work hard, pay their taxes, and deserve a government that respects their wallets,” he said. “Families are getting squeezed from every direction, and it’s time we give them a break.”

Energy policy is one of Ciattarelli’s most immediate concerns. He has criticized what he calls “overly aggressive” state mandates that have driven up energy prices for consumers and small businesses. Ciattarelli argues for a more balanced approach to clean energy — one that supports sustainability goals but doesn’t burden households with excessive costs. “We can have clean air and affordable energy,” he said. “New Jersey doesn’t have to choose between the two.”

On housing, Ciattarelli has pledged to streamline regulations that slow down construction and contribute to skyrocketing rents. He says he wants to incentivize development near transportation hubs and downtown areas while preserving the character of suburban communities. “Our housing policies have to work for everyone — young families looking to buy their first home, seniors trying to stay in their communities, and renters who deserve stability,” he explained.

Perhaps no issue defines Ciattarelli’s campaign more than his long-standing criticism of New Jersey’s tax structure. The former Assemblyman has repeatedly called for comprehensive tax reform, arguing that the state’s high property taxes and complex system of local levies have driven residents and businesses elsewhere. His campaign centers on simplifying the tax code and implementing a more predictable, transparent system. “If you want to keep families here and attract employers, you have to fix the tax problem — period,” he said.

Beyond economics, Ciattarelli has spoken out on cultural and political issues that have dominated national conversations. He describes himself as a staunch defender of free speech and individual liberties, warning against what he views as government overreach and ideological conformity. “New Jersey should be a place where everyone’s voice is heard, not silenced,” he said, pointing to universities, workplaces, and even public institutions where he believes open debate has suffered.

As the race heats up, Ciattarelli has also taken aim at outgoing Democratic Governor Phil Murphy’s record. While careful not to personalize his criticism, he has framed the Murphy years as a period of missed opportunities and misplaced priorities. “Governor Murphy’s policies have made New Jersey more expensive and less competitive,” Ciattarelli said. “We can do better. We must do better.”

The upcoming election is expected to be one of the most expensive and contentious in recent New Jersey history, as both parties see the outcome as a bellwether for national trends. For Democrats, a win would reaffirm the state’s progressive trajectory; for Republicans, a Ciattarelli victory would signal renewed viability in blue-leaning states during a turbulent political era.

As debates, campaign stops, and town halls fill the calendar, Ciattarelli’s message of fiscal reform and local empowerment will continue to resonate with voters frustrated by the status quo. His challenge is clear: connect with moderates and independents without losing the energy of the Republican base that has stood behind him through multiple campaigns.

To follow ongoing coverage of New Jersey’s gubernatorial race and the state’s political landscape, visit Explore New Jersey’s Politics section.