New Eagleton Poll: New Jerseyans Frustrated Over Taxes, Affordability, and Transit

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

NEW JERSEY — A new Rutgers-Eagleton Poll reveals that New Jersey residents are largely dissatisfied with how the state government is handling critical issues, particularly taxes, cost of living, and public transportation. The report, conducted between June 13 and 16, 2025, paints a picture of a public increasingly frustrated with both state and national leadership — a sentiment expected to shape the upcoming 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial election.

🔍 Key Findings from the Eagleton Poll

💸 Cost of Living and Affordability

A staggering 85% of New Jersey residents are dissatisfied with how the state is addressing affordability — a number that’s risen by 10 points since 2017. Only 12% expressed any level of satisfaction.

🏛️ Taxes

Dissatisfaction over taxes remains high, with 80% of respondents expressing discontent. Only 16% said they were somewhat or very satisfied.

🚌 Transportation and Infrastructure

Public sentiment on transit and infrastructure is also negative: 54% dissatisfied, 39% satisfied. This issue has seen a dip in satisfaction compared to previous years.

💼 State Budget and Spending

Although satisfaction has nearly doubled over the last decade, 57% remain dissatisfied with the state’s budgeting and spending priorities.

📚 Other Key Issues

• Economy & Jobs: Residents are split — 48% dissatisfied, 44% satisfied. This represents an 11-point drop in satisfaction since 2022.

• Education & Schools: Once a strong point, this area now sees only 47% satisfied vs. 41% dissatisfied.

• Health Care: Nearly balanced — 49% satisfied, 45% dissatisfied.

• Crime & Safety: Slightly more positive outlook, with 51% satisfied, though negative views have grown over the last decade.

🗳️ Voter Sentiment & Political Implications

Poll director Ashley Koning of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling says,

“New Jerseyans are in a state of malaise… There isn’t a single issue where a significant majority is satisfied.”

While Republicans are the most critical, independents also show strong dissatisfaction — making them a crucial demographic in the 2025 gubernatorial race.

📊 Favorability Ratings

• Gov. Phil Murphy:

  • Favorability: 43% favorable, 40% unfavorable

  • Job Approval: 47% approve, 38% disapprove
    (Both ratings have been steadily declining.)

• President Donald Trump:

  • Favorability: 30% favorable, 59% unfavorable

  • Job Approval: 31% approve, 60% disapprove

As the 2025 governor’s race ramps up, both Murphy (term-limited) and Trump are expected to influence voter sentiment, though independent voters remain a wildcard.

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