Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill rode a wave of anger over President Trump’s controversial second time period to win a runaway victory over Republican Jack Ciattarelli to develop into New Jersey’s subsequent governor.
Bucking predictions of a nail-biter, the one-time Navy fighter pilot cruised to a snug win that Democrats hope will show Trump remains to be kryptonite to voters in suburban swing states going into the essential 2026 congressional midterm elections.
“This campaign has been a love letter to you, New Jersey,” Sherrill posted after polls closed. “Thank you for sharing your dreams and fears, and thank you especially to everyone who chipped in, volunteered, and trusted me with their vote.”
With about 70% of the vote counted, Sherill was main by a larger-than-expected 56%-to-43% margin. With turnout outpacing expectations, Sherrill ran up the rating in well-educated prosperous suburbs and deep-blue city strongholds like Newark, Jersey Metropolis and Camden.
Ciattarelli was unable to end up the large numbers of rare voters that powered Trump’s overperformance within the state, particularly amongst Latino voters.
Sherrill, 53, a reasonable four-term suburban congresswoman, was set to maintain the governor’s mansion in Democratic fingers for an unprecedented third straight time.
Ciattarelli, 63, a former state lawmaker who ran a powerful race in opposition to incumbent Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021, had been trying to flip the state again to GOP management and restore a few of its standing as a swing state.
The Backyard State race had been anticipated to be a lot nearer as Republicans sought to construct on their effort to make inroads within the historically blue state within the age of Trump.
The Republican president misplaced the state by simply 6 factors to Kamala Harris in 2024, partially by making large inroads amongst Latino voters in working-class North Jersey cities and cities whereas operating up the rating in GOP strongholds alongside the Jersey Shore.
New Jersey Democratic Gov. elect Mikie Sherrill and Lt. Gov. elect Dale Caldwell have fun throughout an election night time occasion in East Brunswick, N.J., Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Picture/Matt Rourke)
However Ciattarelli was unable to even come near his personal efficiency within the 2021 race, which he narrowly misplaced by 3 factors to Murphy, when unpopular former President Joe Biden was within the White Home.
Though New Jersey voters all the time have their very own set of issues together with taxes, crime and immigration, Trump’s right-wing second time period agenda loomed massive over the race.
Trump strongly endorsed Ciattarelli, and the GOP candidate gave the person within the White Home an “A” grade. However the candidate prevented showing in particular person with Trump, whose approval scores are deep underneath water nationwide, and sought to strike a extra reasonable tone on immigration in hopes of profitable a wholesome share of the Latino vote.
Ciattarelli forged the competition as an opportunity for voters to show away from Democrats, who’ve managed each the governor’s workplace and the state Legislature for almost eight years. He touted his background as a enterprise proprietor with deep roots within the state.
New Jersey Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli speaks throughout an election night time gathering, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in Bridgewater, N.J. (AP Picture/Matt Slocum)
Sherrill doubled down on a message of resistance to Trump, whom she calls an aspiring authoritarian. She not too long ago seized on Trump’s push to punish Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) by freezing funding for the multibillion-dollar plan to exchange the getting older rail tunnels connecting New Jersey to New York Metropolis.
Sherrill additionally highlighted her life story, which incorporates serving as a U.S. Navy officer and helicopter pilot, though Ciattarelli tried to tie her to a navy dishonest scandal.
Each candidates targeted on the rising value of dwelling, with Sherrill blaming Trump’s financial plans and tariffs on international items whereas Ciattarelli pointed the finger at failed state Democratic insurance policies.
With their gubernatorial elections set for the 12 months after presidential votes, New Jersey and Virginia have lengthy drawn outsize consideration for these trying to learn the tea leaves of the nationwide political surroundings.
