the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Bergen County, New Jersey’s largest county with over 957,000 residents, has long been a Democratic stronghold. Yet the 2024 election marked a significant shift, with traditionally blue municipalities turning red and a notably tighter margin in the presidential race. This dramatic change highlights evolving political dynamics in the Garden State.
A Changing Political Landscape
Bergen County’s U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer, known for his bipartisan approach, has been emblematic of the county’s centrist leanings. Yet, even he stood out as an exception in the wake of a “Red Wave” that swept through New Jersey in 2024. Vice President Kamala Harris barely secured the state, with Bergen’s Democratic majority shrinking drastically.
In 2020, Joe Biden carried Bergen by over 81,000 votes. By 2024, Harris won by just under 14,000 votes, reflecting significant losses in Democratic support. Of the county’s 70 municipalities, 20 flipped from blue to red, including historically Democratic towns like Garfield, Lodi, and Fairview.
The Republican Perspective
Republican State Senator Holly Schepisi of Bergen’s 39th Legislative District attributed the GOP’s gains to a combination of effective messaging and voter frustration.
“When I was younger, the Democratic Party was seen as the party of the working class and unions,” Schepisi told Insider NJ. “Now, it’s viewed as focusing too much on social issues and not enough on the day-to-day struggles of average families. The Republican Party has worked to fill that gap.”
Schepisi pointed to factors like inflation, pandemic policies, and high taxes as catalysts for voter discontent, particularly in New Jersey, where affordability has become a pressing issue. She also cited Governor Phil Murphy’s infamous 2021 remark—“If taxes are your issue, we’re probably not your state”—as emblematic of an out-of-touch Democratic leadership.
Targeted Campaigning Pays Off
The GOP’s success in Bergen was bolstered by aggressive, localized campaigning, which included greater adoption of vote-by-mail and early voting strategies. Schepisi noted that these approaches, traditionally underutilized by Republicans, helped bridge the gap in a county with a strong Democratic registration advantage.
Republicans also capitalized on frustrations with state policies, such as high property taxes and insufficient state funding for Bergen’s schools. “We send over 30% of the state budget in tax revenue but get back less than 3%,” Schepisi said. “That cumulative impact is starting to resonate with voters.”
What Lies Ahead?
Despite a one-million voter registration advantage for Democrats statewide, the GOP sees an opportunity to build on its Bergen County successes. Schepisi stressed the importance of continued outreach, particularly in communities historically written off as reliably Democratic.
“We need to show up in every community and prove that we hear their concerns,” she said. Unity within the Bergen County Republican Party, which has struggled with internal divisions in recent years, will also be key to sustaining momentum.
Lessons for Democrats
The Democratic Party’s poor showing in 2024 has raised alarms. Harris’ narrow victory in New Jersey underscores the need for energizing the base, addressing economic concerns, and bridging the gap with working-class voters. As the GOP refines its messaging and strategy, New Jersey Democrats must adapt to remain competitive.
The Road Ahead for Bergen County
Bergen County’s 2024 election results reveal a shifting political tide that both parties must navigate. For Republicans, the challenge lies in maintaining their gains and expanding their foothold. For Democrats, the focus will be on rebuilding trust with disillusioned voters and turning out their base.
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Ridgewood more work to do…
58 Harris / 37 Trump
District 1
80 Harris /20 Trump
Voter turnout 40%
Ridgewood and Glen Rock have become a breeding ground of Looney Tune AOC lefties who take their marching orders from Paterson , the rest of the county moves forward Ridgewood keeps going backward
ridgewood has become the crook infested sh$thole we always made fun of
Ridgewood wants to become Montclair. Bunch of outa touch leftists who have plenty of money and want to lecture us about being compassionate and having “empathy” their favorite word. they gobble up all the lefts taking points and project their privilege onto us making us feel like we are the minority, when in actuality – we are they majority. 5 years ago the rainbow flag didnt exist and no it hangs from public building in and around Ridgewood for the whole month of June gaslighting the common man and families who believe in traditional values. Shame on all the sellouts in town pushing this ideology onto the most innocent people in society – children. To all the democrat voters out there, you only live once. What you do in this life echoes in eternity. Start doing the right thing.
Shut up quit watching gladiator
yawn get over yourself
@Sean, RW is the rich lunatics capital of Bergen County and maybe the whole of NJ. To vote 70% for an empty suit who was so out of her depth is just insane.
Look at MacMuprhy’s. The rainbow flag proudly displayed 24/7/365.
So happy Trump won!!!
Gottheimer is not a centrist. He votes always party line! Problem Bergen Republicans had a weak candidate who was silent on the issues not even mailings promoting her agenda, (whatever it was?)
The voter turnout for Ridgewood was 70.93% per updated results from the County Clerk’s office. Ridgewood went 61.8% for Harris and 34.7% for Trump.
so did Paterson
people in Ridgewood do what they are told
Ridgewood has become an outlier , and not for good reasons
thats the problem when all the liberals move here from nyc