New Jersey Governor Candidates Launch First Ads

Jack Ciattarelli and Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D) have debuted their initial television advertisements for the upcoming New Jersey governor race.

Ciattarelli, having secured the Republican nomination twice this year after a close loss to incumbent Gov. Phil Murphy (D) four years prior, is looking to distinguish himself from Sherrill. The Garden State has typically leaned Democratic, particularly in federal elections, but Republicans have found more traction in state-level contests, especially following the 2021 gubernatorial election and the GOP’s gains during the 2024 presidential election.

Both candidates highlight New Jersey’s high cost of living, which is a significant focus in their ads aimed at making the state more affordable.

In the ads released Tuesday, Ciattarelli is seen dining at a classic New Jersey diner. He emphasizes the state’s rising property taxes and electricity bills, calling the situation “disturbing” while criticizing Sherrill for focusing on President Trump instead of local issues.

“New Jersey is confused because outspoken politicians like Phil Murphy and Mikie Sherrill care more about pronouns and sanctuary cities than they do about solving our problems,” Ciattarelli stated.

Conversely, Sherrill and fellow Democrats often attempt to link Ciattarelli to Trump, despite his past criticisms of the former president. Trump’s recent endorsement of Ciattarelli, a one-time state legislator, complicates that narrative.

Should he win the governorship, Ciattarelli promises to reduce electricity costs, impose caps on property taxes, and enhance community safety.

“It’s time to fix New Jersey. When I’m governor, we will do just that,” he asserted.

Sherrill’s ads draw from her experience as a former Navy helicopter pilot, emphasizing a campaign ethos of “finding a way.” She asserts that on her first day in office, she would declare a state of emergency regarding utility service costs.

“I’ll stand up for everyone in my New Jersey family,” Sherrill proclaimed.

Current polls indicate that Sherrill holds a more substantial lead over Ciattarelli. According to recent data from Rutgers University’s Eagleton Public Opinion Center, she is ahead by nine points with 17% of voters still undecided.

The New Jersey governor’s race is one of two such contests occurring this year, alongside the election in Virginia, and will be closely monitored as it reflects party positioning ahead of the midterm elections next year.