Republicans Intensify Fundraising Efforts in New Jersey Ahead of Gubernatorial Race

OLD BRIDGE, N.J. — The Republican National Committee is speeding up fundraising in New Jersey as the closely watched gubernatorial race approaches. Current polls indicate a tight contest between Republican Jack Ciatarelli and Democratic U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill.

The RNC has mobilized 50 county leaders to focus on election integrity, along with over 15,000 volunteers and a team of five full-time staff members. They’ve also introduced a new voting platform called VotePro, intending to give Ciatarelli a considerable advantage.

“Democrats have spent a lot but achieved little, which shows that this gubernatorial race is winnable,” noted Delaney Bomer, the RNC’s regional communications director.

“Republicans are united and making significant strides, enhancing voter outreach, and securing election integrity.”

This marks a substantial increase from the 2021 gubernatorial race, where the RNC only had two full-time staffers in New Jersey. The effort surrounding election integrity is evolving as well.

Ciatarelli’s campaign utilizes the VotePro tool to keep voters informed about polling places and other essential information.

During the 2025 election cycle, the RNC has filed lawsuits seeking log data from primary election machines and contested ballot redesigns from county clerks.

Moreover, the RNC has deployed observers to ensure election accountability testing in areas like Camden, Hunterdon, and Morris counties.

“In 2021, the New Jersey gubernatorial race wasn’t a priority for the then-chairman,” a national Republican strategist observed. “This time, the RNC recognizes the importance of this race and is prioritizing it.”

Notably, the New Jersey Republican Party has acknowledged that national party involvement marks a significant shift from Ciatarelli’s campaign four years ago.

Back in 2021, Ciatarelli shocked many by outperforming expectations, coming within three points of the incumbent Democratic Governor Phil Murphy.

No Democrat has held the New Jersey governorship for more than two consecutive terms in recent history.

Currently, Sherrill holds a slight edge in the gubernatorial race, with a lead of 2.7 percentage points over Ciatarelli, according to the latest polling.

In terms of voter engagement, Democrats lead Republicans in both mail-in and early voting, with 53% of Democrats voting by mail compared to just 29% of Republicans.

Comparatively, in 2021, registered Democrats made up 44% of those voting by mail or early, while Republicans accounted for 33% and other parties made up 24%.

Sherrill has garnered support from prominent figures in the Democratic Party, including former President Barack Obama, who is set to campaign with her in Newark on Saturday. Other notable supporters include Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, among others.

The Democratic National Committee has invested over $3 million in the New Jersey gubernatorial race, underscoring the stakes involved.