The 2025 New Jersey primary election results have set the stage for a high-stakes showdown this November, with Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill emerging as the party’s nominee for governor and Republican Jack Ciattarelli, buoyed by a high-profile endorsement from former President Donald Trump, securing the GOP nomination. The votes are in, the dust has settled, and the state now braces for a battle that could reshape its political landscape for years to come.
Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor who has represented New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District for four terms, triumphed in a crowded Democratic field. She outpaced rivals including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, and former State Senate President Steve Sweeney. With about 35% of the counted votes at the time of her victory, Sherrill’s campaign focused on affordability, protecting children online, and expanding family tax credits. Her victory speech struck a tone of unity and resilience, calling on New Jerseyans to lead the nation forward during what she described as an “American crisis for our future.”
On the Republican side, Jack Ciattarelli, a former state legislator and familiar face in New Jersey politics, claimed the nomination after a hard-fought primary. He defeated four other candidates, including former radio personality Bill Spadea and State Senator Jon Bramnick. Ciattarelli’s campaign was energized by Trump’s endorsement, which he leveraged to position himself as the Republican best equipped to challenge Democrats in a state that has leaned blue in recent years. In his victory speech, Ciattarelli promised to end protections for immigrants, overhaul public education, reduce state government, and reach out to voters across party lines.
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The Road to Victory: A Historic and Expensive Primary
This year’s New Jersey primary election results reflect a historic and costly contest. More than $120 million was spent across both parties, making it the most expensive gubernatorial primary in state history. The race was also notable for its crowded field—six Democrats and five Republicans vying for their party’s nod—and for the sharp rhetoric that dominated the campaign trail.
Sherrill’s path to victory was marked by her ability to stand out in a field of seasoned politicians. She emphasized her military service, her record as a federal prosecutor, and her commitment to protecting reproductive rights and making life more affordable for New Jersey families. Her campaign resonated with voters who are anxious about the direction of the country and eager for leadership that reflects their values.
Ciattarelli, meanwhile, ran as a “common-sense problem solver” and promised to shake up the status quo in Trenton. His campaign was turbocharged by Trump’s endorsement, which he used to rally the Republican base and position himself as the party’s best hope for reclaiming the governor’s mansion after eight years of Democratic control. He also pledged to tackle issues like suburban sprawl and government efficiency, appealing to voters frustrated with the pace of change.
What’s at Stake in the General Election
With the New Jersey primary election results now official, the focus shifts to the November general election. Both Sherrill and Ciattarelli are positioning themselves as champions of change, but their visions for the state could not be more different.
Sherrill has vowed to fight for affordability, expand tax credits for families, and protect civil liberties. She has also sought to tie Ciattarelli to Trump, calling him a “Trump lackey” and warning that his policies would roll back progress on issues like immigration and education. “A state like this is not going to be led by a Trump lackey like Jack Ciattarelli,” she told supporters on election night.
Ciattarelli, for his part, has promised to reach out to communities of color, unaffiliated voters, and disaffected Democrats. He has pledged to end protections for immigrants, overhaul the state’s public school curriculum, and shrink the size of government. “It’s time for a change,” he declared in his victory speech. “It’s time for a Jersey guy who understands what people are up against every day.”
The general election will test whether New Jersey’s recent shift toward Republicans in national elections will translate to the statehouse. While Democrats have held the governor’s office since 2018, the margin of victory in recent presidential elections has narrowed, suggesting that the state may be more competitive than in years past.
Key Issues and Voter Sentiment
Affordability is the top concern for many New Jersey voters, and both candidates have made it a centerpiece of their campaigns. Sherrill has proposed expanding the state’s Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, while Ciattarelli has promised to reduce property taxes and streamline government.
Other major issues include:
- Immigration: Sherrill opposes Trump’s policies and supports protections for immigrants, while Ciattarelli has pledged to end them.
- Education: Both candidates have promised to improve public schools, but with different approaches—Sherrill focusing on teacher support and Ciattarelli on curriculum reform.
- Government Efficiency: Ciattarelli wants to shrink state government, while Sherrill emphasizes targeted investments and accountability.
Voter sentiment is split, with many Democrats energized by Sherrill’s message of progress and Republicans rallying behind Ciattarelli’s promise of change. The outcome in November will hinge on which candidate can best connect with the state’s diverse electorate and address their most pressing concerns.
Looking Ahead: A Pivotal Moment for New Jersey
The New Jersey primary election results have set up a pivotal contest that will shape the state’s future. With Sherrill and Ciattarelli now officially facing off, New Jerseyans have a clear choice between two distinct visions for their state.
Sherrill represents continuity and progressive change, with a focus on affordability, civil rights, and education. Ciattarelli offers a conservative alternative, promising to shake up Trenton and bring a new approach to governance. The stakes are high, and the eyes of the nation will be on New Jersey this fall.
As the campaign heats up, voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on the direction of their state. The outcome will not only determine who leads New Jersey for the next four years but also signal where the state stands in the broader national political landscape.
Stay informed about the latest developments in the New Jersey governor’s race. Make sure your voice is heard—register to vote, get involved, and encourage others to do the same.