Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy pilot and federal prosecutor, has been elected as the next Governor of New Jersey, defeating Republican Jack Ciattarelli in a tightly contested race. The Associated Press declared her the winner after a close count that drew national attention due to its political implications.
Historic Mikie Sherrill Win in New Jersey Governor Election 2025
Sherrill’s victory is historic it marks the first time since the 1960s that New Jersey voters have chosen a governor from the same party for three consecutive terms. This also becomes the second major win for Democrats on election night, following Abigail Spanberger’s gubernatorial victory in Virginia.
New Jersey, it is the honor of my life to earn your trust to become this great state’s 57th Governor.
I promise to listen, lead with courage, and never forget who I serve. pic.twitter.com/gipM0fWnqF
— Mikie Sherrill (@MikieSherrill) November 5, 2025
High-Stakes in New Jersey Governor Election 2025 Amid Trump’s Second Term
The New Jersey election was among the first major statewide votes since President Donald Trump began his second term, turning it into a symbolic referendum on his leadership. Trump had endorsed Ciattarelli in May, praising him for fully embracing the MAGA movement, despite the Republican previously criticizing him.
On the other hand, former President Barack Obama publicly supported Sherrill through an online message and even joined her on the campaign trail, strengthening Democratic momentum in the state.
A Fierce Battle in New Jersey Governor Election 2025
Although New Jersey has long leaned Democratic, the tight margin between Sherrill and Ciattarelli surprised many analysts. The race attracted nearly $200 million in campaign spending, making it one of the costliest in state history. Experts noted that while the state votes blue in national elections, it often swings between parties for gubernatorial posts.
Ben Dworkin, director of the Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship, explained, “As blue as New Jersey might be in presidential races and U.S. Senate races too, the state is decidedly purple when it comes to gubernatorial elections.”
Key Campaign Issues in New Jersey Governor Election 2025
The central theme of the campaign was affordability. Both candidates acknowledged the state’s high living costs, but their approaches differed. Ciattarelli vowed to cut New Jersey’s steep property taxes, while Sherrill pledged to freeze electricity bills and introduce measures to ease household expenses.
Personal Attacks in the Final Weeks Campaign Amid New Jersey Governor Election 2025
As election day approached, the contest grew bitter. Ciattarelli questioned Sherrill’s past involvement in a 1994 Naval Academy cheating scandal, claiming it raised doubts about her integrity. Sherrill clarified that she was barred from walking at graduation because she refused to report her classmates, and she accused the Trump administration of leaking her military records to Ciattarelli’s allies.
In retaliation, Sherrill criticized Ciattarelli’s former publishing company, alleging that it had downplayed the dangers of opioids, and accused him of being responsible for “killing tens of thousands of people in New Jersey.” Ciattarelli denied the allegations and threatened to sue her for defamation.
Background of the Candidates of New Jersey Governor Election 2025
Mikie Sherrill, who entered politics less than a decade ago, was first elected to Congress in 2018. Her disciplined military background and focus on middle-class issues helped her rise quickly in New Jersey politics.
Jack Ciattarelli, a former accountant and small business owner, made his third bid for governor this year. Despite his strong grassroots support, he could not overcome Sherrill’s momentum backed by the Democratic establishment.
With this victory, Mikie Sherrill will assume office on January 1, 2026, replacing incumbent Governor Phil Murphy, and solidifying Democrats’ hold on New Jersey politics
