President Trump’s endorsement of Jack Ciattarelli could be the decisive factor in turning New Jersey red as the Republican candidate faces off against Navy veteran Mikie Sherrill in a gubernatorial race that tests Trump’s influence in a traditionally blue state.
Key Takeaways
- Jack Ciattarelli, endorsed by President Trump, won the Republican primary with over two-thirds of the vote and will face Democrat Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial election.
- Sherrill, a former Navy pilot and federal prosecutor, defeated a crowded Democratic field, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop.
- Ciattarelli narrowly lost to outgoing Democratic Governor Phil Murphy in 2021, giving Republicans hope for victory in the traditionally blue state.
- The New Jersey governor’s race is one of only two in 2025 (alongside Virginia) and is viewed as a referendum on Trump’s second term and Republican momentum nationwide.
- Ciattarelli is campaigning on fiscal conservatism, tax reduction, and public safety, while Sherrill focuses on economic opportunity, affordable housing, and opposing “MAGA Republicans.”
A Battle for New Jersey’s Future
Republican Jack Ciattarelli emerged victorious in New Jersey’s Republican primary election, setting up a high-stakes showdown with Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill for the governor’s mansion in 2025. Ciattarelli, who came within striking distance of defeating current Governor Phil Murphy in 2021, secured more than two-thirds of the Republican primary vote with the backing of President Trump. The former state lawmaker has positioned himself as a fiscal conservative focused on cutting New Jersey’s notoriously high taxes, enhancing public safety, and rolling back government overreach that has frustrated taxpayers across the Garden State.
Ciattarelli’s strong showing in the primary demonstrates growing Republican momentum in a traditionally Democratic stronghold. In his victory speech, he outlined his vision for the state: “We made a strong statement about what the New Jersey Republican Party stands for: A party open to anyone and everyone willing to work hard and play by the rules; a party of Jersey values and common sense policies; a party that believes our best days are ahead of us if, if we dare to think big and act boldly,” said Jack Ciattarelli.
— AMAC (@AMACforAmerica) June 6, 2025
Sherrill’s Democratic Vision
On the Democratic side, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor, secured her party’s nomination by defeating a field that included prominent figures like Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop. Sherrill, who currently represents New Jersey’s 11th congressional district, has built her campaign around economic opportunity, affordable housing, and lower costs for residents. If elected, she would become only the second female governor in New Jersey’s history, following Christine Todd Whitman who served from 1994 to 2001.
“If Jack Ciattarelli is the ghost of elections past, then tonight, we write the future. The future is built on hard work and hope, and here in New Jersey, we are known for our grit, our tenacity, maybe a little bit for how loud we are. But it’s going to take a strong voice to cut through the noise in Washington and deliver for the people, so I stand here tonight doing just that.” Mikie Sherrill, Democratic nominee for New Jersey governor
Sherrill has made opposition to the Trump agenda central to her campaign, frequently criticizing what she calls “MAGA Republicans.” In her victory speech, she declared, “As a mom of four teenagers, I’m not going to put up with the incompetent, whiny nonsense coming from aggrieved MAGA Republicans.” This approach signals that the race will likely become a referendum on President Trump’s policies and influence, testing whether his growing support in New Jersey can translate to a Republican gubernatorial victory.
A Test of Republican Momentum
The 2025 New Jersey governor’s race carries significant national implications as one of only two gubernatorial contests that year, alongside Virginia. Political analysts view these races as critical indicators of voter sentiment following President Trump’s return to the White House. Trump’s performance in New Jersey improved in 2024, gaining nearly five percentage points from his 2020 showing, suggesting a potential shift in the state’s political landscape that Ciattarelli hopes to capitalize on.
“Jack Ciattarelli has secured the Republican nomination for New Jersey governor, giving the state a proven fiscal conservative and no-nonsense leader ready to rein in runaway taxes, restore public safety, and roll back the overreach of the Democratic machine.”
The contest also represents a rare opportunity for Republicans in New Jersey, where Democrats have dominated state politics for years. With the current Governor Phil Murphy term-limited, the open seat race creates a more competitive environment. Ciattarelli’s near-miss in 2021, when he came within three percentage points of defeating Murphy, demonstrates that Republicans can be competitive statewide with the right candidate and message focused on kitchen-table issues like taxes, inflation, and public safety.
Economic Policy Showdown
The economic visions of the two candidates present stark contrasts. Ciattarelli has built his platform around significant tax reform in a state notorious for its high property and income taxes. His fiscal conservatism emphasizes responsible government spending, business-friendly policies to stimulate economic growth, and pushing back against the progressive initiatives that have characterized the Murphy administration. For many overtaxed New Jersey residents, his message of fiscal restraint has a strong appeal.
Sherrill, meanwhile, has focused her economic agenda on what she terms “ruthless competence” in government. “Ruthless competence is what people in New Jersey want to see in government,” said Sherrill. Her campaign emphasizes affordable housing initiatives, investments in public education, and targeted tax relief for middle-class families. The Democratic Party has rallied behind her candidacy, with the Democratic Governors Association pledging an “all hands on deck” approach to maintain control of the governorship.
As this high-stakes race unfolds, New Jersey voters will weigh competing economic visions against a backdrop of national political realignment. For conservatives frustrated with years of Democratic governance, Ciattarelli represents an opportunity to bring fiscal discipline and common-sense leadership to Trenton while aligning with President Trump’s successful economic policies.
