Democrat Mikie Sherrill has won the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial election, defeating Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli in a competitive race. Her victory ensures a third consecutive Democratic administration in the Garden State, a political milestone not achieved since the early 1960s.
Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and U.S. Congresswoman, ran on a platform focused on affordability, education, infrastructure repair, and restoring public trust in government. She positioned herself as a moderate voice aiming to bring pragmatic solutions to everyday challenges. Her campaign found strong support in suburban counties, especially among independent and female voters.
Voter turnout surpassed expectations in several swing districts, driven by heightened attention on economic issues and education policy. Analysts noted that Sherrill’s campaign benefited from a well-organized ground game and strong messaging discipline in the final weeks of the race.
Ciattarelli, who previously ran in 2021 and came close to unseating Gov. Phil Murphy, returned with a message centered on high property taxes, energy costs, and local control over education policy. Backed by former President Donald Trump, his campaign energized the GOP base but ultimately fell short in broadening support among swing voters statewide.
The race narrowed significantly in its final weeks, prompting heavy investment from both national parties. Sherrill’s ability to maintain a centrist message and emphasize competence over ideology appears to have played a key role in her success. Her win is being viewed as a potential bellwether for Democrats heading into the 2026 midterms.
As governor-elect, Sherrill will face several pressing issues: high living costs, state pension liabilities, and aging infrastructure. Whether she can govern effectively while balancing pressure from both progressives and fiscal moderates will define her administration’s trajectory in the years ahead.
