Mikie Sherrill vs. Jack Ciattarelli: New Jersey Governor’s Race Set for 2025 Showdown

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey’s high-stakes race for governor is officially underway. Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli have won their respective primaries, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched gubernatorial contests of 2025. NBC News projects both victories, confirming a clash that will test national political sentiments during President Donald Trump’s second term.

🔵 Mikie Sherrill Clinches Democratic Nomination

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) emerged victorious from a crowded six-person Democratic field, emphasizing electability, military service, and resistance to Trump-style politics. A former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, Sherrill positioned herself as a centrist with the experience and strength to lead New Jersey through political turbulence.

“It’s going to take a strong voice to cut through the noise from Washington and deliver for the people,” she said at her victory rally. “Fix the bayonets — I’m resolved to take Trenton.”

Sherrill won more than one-third of the Democratic vote, outperforming high-profile opponents including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, and Rep. Josh Gottheimer. She gained strong backing in Essex County, boosted by endorsements and well-funded support from One Giant Leap PAC.

🔴 Jack Ciattarelli Dominates GOP Primary

On the Republican side, Jack Ciattarelli, the party’s 2021 gubernatorial nominee, cruised to victory with over two-thirds of the vote, defeating rivals such as radio host Bill Spadea and state Sen. Jon Bramnick. Ciattarelli’s win was solidified by a late but powerful endorsement from President Trump, who called him “100% MAGA.”

“The NJ GOP is a party of Jersey values, open to anyone who works hard and plays by the rules,” Ciattarelli declared. “It’s time to think big and act boldly.”

While Spadea tried to label Ciattarelli as insufficiently loyal to Trump, Trump himself hosted a tele-rally urging voters to support Ciattarelli, marking a firm alignment heading into November.

🗳️ What’s at Stake in New Jersey

New Jersey is one of only two states holding a gubernatorial election in 2025, making it a national bellwether for voter sentiment in Trump’s second term. Incumbent Gov. Phil Murphy (D) is barred from running again due to term limits, leaving the field wide open.

Both campaigns have begun previewing their general election battle:

• Sherrill has branded Ciattarelli as “Phil Murphy 2.0” and a Trump loyalist out of touch with New Jersey values.

• Ciattarelli argues Sherrill is tied to a “broken” state government and is ignoring key local issues like property taxes, public school performance, and overdevelopment.

“This is a race for governor,” Ciattarelli said. “What does Trump have to do with New Jersey’s affordability crisis?”

📊 Primary Highlights & Turnout

Democratic Primary Vote Breakdown (Mail-In in Essex County):

• Mikie Sherrill: 43%

• Ras Baraka: 24%

• Steve Fulop: 17%

• Josh Gottheimer: 10%

• Sean Spiller: 5%

• Steve Sweeney: 1%

Republican Primary Results:

• Jack Ciattarelli: 68%

• Bill Spadea: 22%

• Others (Bramnick, Kranjac, Barbera): Single digits

🔮 What to Watch Ahead

The Sherrill vs. Ciattarelli matchup will be a pivotal test of:

• How swing voters react to Trump’s second-term policies

• Voter priorities on affordability, public safety, education, and infrastructure

• The balance between national politics and state-level leadership

With both candidates already trading barbs over Trump, taxes, and clean energy, expect a hard-fought campaign leading into Election Day this November.

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