New Jersey’s governor race closed with a busy final day as Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli moved across the state to reach last-minute voters. With over one million ballots already submitted by mail and through early voting, both campaigns aimed to secure every possible supporter before polls opened. The contest drew national attention as one of only two gubernatorial elections happening in the country this year, and polling showed only a small gap separating the candidates, including one survey showing a virtual tie.
- Over one million New Jersey voters have already cast ballots in person or by mail, and polls show the race is extremely close.
- Former President Barack Obama campaigned with Democrat Mikie Sherrill, while former President Donald Trump backed Republican Jack Ciattarelli in a tele-rally.
- Both candidates focused on affordability, public safety, and state policy, while making sharp contrasts on immigration, taxes, and government role.
Sherrill Travels Across the State, Calls for Stability and Fairness
Sherrill, a congresswoman and former naval officer, completed her 21-county bus tour on Monday. She visited Union City and Morristown before ending her night in Montclair, speaking to supporters beside her campaign bus and urging people to remind friends, neighbors, and even “frenemies” to vote. She pointed to New Jersey’s long record of supporting civil rights and said her work centered on families, children, and equal opportunity.
Over the weekend, former President Barack Obama joined her at a rally. On Monday night, former President Donald Trump joined a tele-rally for Ciattarelli and made a remark about Sherrill’s first name, along with an online post warning of what he called high crime, rising energy costs, and other consequences he linked to Democrats. Sherrill did not address those comments and instead focused on her plans for the office.
She said she planned to freeze utility rate increases on day one and participate in a tariff lawsuit she argued would protect small businesses. She also said she would require ICE officers to show identification when making arrests, referencing what she described as police reports about individuals dressed as if heading to Afghanistan and refusing to present ID. Sherrill stated she does not support detention centers and discussed investment in transit and health care, including in South Jersey, where she aims to regain support after losses in the last election. She stated she would “run through the tape” to gather every vote.
Ciattarelli Focuses on Taxes, Crime Policies, and State Direction
Ciattarelli began Monday at Murph’s Tavern in Totowa, a Republican-leaning community. During the event, his son Jake, who serves in the Middle East, arrived unannounced to greet him. Ciattarelli said the race is about New Jersey’s future, arguing his opponent tried to connect the campaign to national politics.
This matchup is his third run for governor, following a close finish against Governor Phil Murphy four years ago. Ciattarelli said the enthusiasm this time felt even stronger than during that near-win.
He laid out plans to reduce the size of state government, lower property and income taxes for residents and businesses, and cut electricity bills by reversing what he called Phil Murphy’s carbon tax policies. He also said he would remove cashless bail, appoint a new attorney general to ensure school districts cannot keep information from parents, and issue an executive order on day one to block sanctuary policies. He stated that no town in New Jersey would be permitted to become a sanctuary city, and the state would not be a sanctuary state.
Ciattarelli later campaigned in Raritan, where he grew up, saying South Jersey would not be overlooked in his plans. He said he spent a lot of time campaigning there and that the region would not be treated as second to any other part of the state.
Voters Call Out Costs, Safety, and Representation
Voters voiced concerns that mirrored the campaign themes. One resident said their electricity bill doubled over the summer and supported Ciattarelli’s plan to exit the carbon emissions program. Another questioned why New Jersey is often ranked first in property taxes, car insurance, and health insurance costs.
Sherrill supporters pointed to her steady style and concern for people. One resident from Wharton said they are a trans person and wanted to remain visible in politics. Another voter said they attended a Sherrill event after seeing her appear with Obama and wanted to offer encouragement and prayers.
