Concerns for Black and Hispanic Voter Engagement in NJ Gubernatorial Race

TRENTON — Leaders within the New Jersey Democratic Party are growing worried that Black and Hispanic voters, who have historically supported the party, might not back U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D) in her bid to succeed term-limited Governor Phil Murphy (D).

Some attribute this disengagement to the fallout from last year’s election between former Vice President Kamala Harris and President Trump, as well as ongoing issues in bipartisan collaboration. Others feel Sherrill hasn’t done enough to inspire their support.

Dr. John Harmon, founder and CEO of the New Jersey African American Chamber of Commerce, expressed, “I believe the next governor should represent everyone in the state, but the question remains: Where do Black voices fit into this discussion? We should be prioritized, especially within the Democratic agenda.”

Worries about potential low voter turnout are resurfacing as the gubernatorial election approaches next month, especially given previous trends of reduced participation. New Jersey, typically viewed as a reliably blue state, is not being taken for granted by Democrats this November.

In the 2021 elections, Governor Murphy narrowly defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli by three points. Comparatively, while Harris won New Jersey by about six points, this was significantly less than President Biden’s 16-point victory in 2020 or Hillary Clinton’s 14-point win in 2016.

Current polls show Sherrill leading Ciattarelli by five points (49% to 44%).

“We’re seeing the same apathy and turnout issues as last November, which is particularly concerning for Black and brown voters,” remarked a New Jersey Democratic strategist who wished to remain anonymous.

The strategist acknowledged Sherrill’s outreach to community members but added, “It’s difficult to gauge how effective this will be until election day.”

In a recent interview about apathetic voters, Sherrill pointed out that affordability issues resonate most within these communities. “About 70 percent of white families own homes in the state, compared to just 30 percent of Black families. Our first-time homebuyer program aims to help create generational wealth,” she said after a gubernatorial debate in New Brunswick.

Sean Higgins, a spokesperson for Sherrill’s campaign, highlighted her commitment to economic empowerment in communities of color, mentioning proposed initiatives to ease business growth and manage energy costs.

However, some voters, like Harmon, are seeking clearer specifics on her policy proposals. “I’m not trying to bring Trump into this, but regardless of your opinion on him, he’s doing what he intends to do. That’s what New Jerseyans expect from their governor,” he mentioned, stressing the need for Sherrill to articulate support for minority- and women-owned businesses in public contracting.

Democrats claim Ciattarelli lacks genuine concern for Black and Hispanic voters, referencing an instance during the campaign where he glossed over a question about their importance with “next question.”

Additionally, they criticized a Republican debate moment where Ciattarelli acknowledged New Jersey schools being among the most segregated in the nation, asking, “Would we be discussing this if schools with majority Black students were outperforming those with majority white students?”

Ciattarelli’s campaign strategist, Chris Russell, dismissed these critiques, stating, “This shows they recognize how significant these conversations are.”

Previously, Ciattarelli explained his 2021 loss as due to a “too white” campaign. Now, Russell asserts they have the resources to foster a more diverse and robust team.

“We’re witnessing a surge of interest among voters who might not have historically leaned Republican,” Russell shared.

Meanwhile, Sherrill continues to rally support from notable figures like Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Sen. Cory Booker, and former President Barack Obama. Ciattarelli, however, also has his supporters, including John Wayman Henry III, a former Economic Development Commission Chairman, who previously endorsed Baraka.

Henry praised Ciattarelli for presenting tangible solutions for healthcare, education, and opportunities for Black-owned businesses. “Regardless of your alignment, we can’t keep participating in systems where we aren’t given leadership roles,” he said.

Michael Brand, executive director of Black Men Vote, emphasized the misconception that Black men lack political interest. He noted that many campaigns fall short in effectively targeting their outreach to these communities.

He reached out to both candidates, advising Sherrill to be straightforward and honest in her commitments. “Does she have room for improvement? Yes. Is she adapting? Yes,” he commented on her approach to appealing to diverse voters.

As the gubernatorial race nears, some believe any previous apathy among voters has diminished amid concerns surrounding the current political climate.

“There may have been disengagement last year, but the stakes feel too high now for people to stay quiet,” stated Anna Maria Hill, a supporter of Sherrill and New Jersey State Director.