Belleville, New Jersey
Candidates from both major political parties are expressing optimism as the competition for New Jersey’s governorship tightens, hinting at a potential close outcome.
“The polls are looking good. I feel really good right now,” stated Democratic candidate Rep. Mikie Sherrill during an interview after leading a key party rally in northern New Jersey.
However, with just over a week until Election Day, the latest surveys indicate that Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli is narrowing the distance with Sherrill.
“I think we’re in a great position,” remarked Ciattarelli in a Fox News interview following a dinner in Linden, New Jersey.
MAGA figures join the campaign trail in pivotal gubernatorial clash
New Jersey’s political landscape shows registered Democrats outnumbering Republicans, even as Republican registrations have surged over the last decade. Recent polls from Fox News, Quinnipiac University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Rutgers-Eagleton University reveal Ciattarelli is making gains against Sherrill, who’s seeking to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy. Other investigations suggest competition remains within the margin of error.
The race for governor is a nail-biter
“As you know, a lot of these polls are close. Since we’re in the minority, Republicans tend to be overrepresented in polls,” Ciattarelli observed. “If we can get backing from Democratic mayors statewide, it signals a desire for change. Winning this election means we can make those changes.”
Ciattarelli has been actively campaigning across New Jersey this summer and fall, energizing crowds at his later stops. With early voting approaching, he’s encouraging supporters to head to the polls.
“Early voting begins this Saturday. Once the results are in, we will win. Let’s finish strong,” he asserted.
Key races to monitor in the lead-up to Election Day
President Donald Trump is set to host a phone call with Ciattarelli before Election Day. Prominent MAGA figures, including Ohio gubernatorial contender Vivek Ramaswamy and Rep. Byron Donald, who is aiming for the Florida governorship next year, are stepping up efforts to mobilize Trump supporters.
“Jack is running a fantastic campaign, and I’ve been watching it unfold from down in Florida. Ultimately, it’s about winning. Everyone needs to cross the finish line,” stated Donald.
“Many who voted for Trump may not support other candidates. By showcasing popular figures they trust, turnout could increase,” noted Patrick Cascio, a former Republican chair in Rahway, N.J., during a gathering at the diner.
“Four years ago, about 400,000 Republicans didn’t cast their votes. So, if Ciattarelli can energize just half of those voters, he stands a good chance of winning. It’s quite straightforward.”
Ciattarelli, who has pursued the governor’s seat for three consecutive years and nearly prevailed against Murphy four years back, believes this time is different.
“The 2021 race was quite close, so people are paying more attention this time,” he said.
Sherrill, however, criticized her Republican opponent, branding him a “perennial candidate.”
Trump’s impact on New Jersey’s gubernatorial race
Sherrill, a Naval Academy graduate with experience as a helicopter pilot during military service, has been in Congress since 2018 and enjoys camaraderie on the campaign trail. Recently, she joined forces with notable figures like Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Maryland’s Wes Moore, both seen as potential 2028 White House contenders. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro are also allies.
Additionally, Sherrill’s campaign announced that former President Barack Obama, the most admired Democrat nationwide, will headline a rally in Newark on November 1, just days before the election.
Addressing some criticism regarding a perceived lack of energy, Sherrill pointed to the rising interest in mail-in voting.
“We’re witnessing significant gains in mail-in voting, and early voting begins on the 25th. We’re very optimistic. There’s a strong buzz on the ground,” she shared.
Sherrill added that her campaign has established a robust volunteer network never before seen in New Jersey, emphasizing the importance of grassroots efforts.
