Ciattarelli and Sherrill win New Jersey primaries, set stage for high-stakes governor's race

New Jersey's 2025 gubernatorial race is officially set, with Republican
Jack Ciattarelli
and Democrat
Mikie Sherrill
securing their parties' nominations after a fiercely contested and record-breaking primary season.
Ciattarelli rides Trump endorsement to GOP victory
Jack Ciattarelli, a former state legislator, emerged victorious in the
Republican primary
, defeating four rivals: former radio personality Bill Spadea, State Senator Jon Bramnick, former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac, and contractor Justin Barbera.
Ciattarelli's campaign was buoyed by a high-profile endorsement from President Donald Trump, who rallied supporters via a tele-rally, declaring Ciattarelli 'is going to help us win November and send a powerful message that New Jersey is turning red'.
Ciattarelli, who nearly unseated Democratic Governor
Phil Murphy
in 2021, positioned himself as the Trump-aligned candidate most capable of flipping the traditionally blue state. 'He endorsed me because I'm the only individual who can defeat the Democrats in November, and the objective is to win,' Ciattarelli said during a recent debate.
Sherrill wins rowded Democratic field
On the Democratic side, Rep. Mikie Sherrill claimed victory in a crowded field of six, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Sean Spiller, and former State Senate President Steve Sweeney.
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Sherrill, a moderate and former Navy helicopter pilot, leaned on her military and prosecutorial background, emphasizing leadership and crisis management: 'I learned early on: In a crisis, the worst thing you can do is freeze. You have to choose to lead,' she told supporters.
Sherrill's campaign focused on affordability, promising to expand the state's
Child Tax Credit
and Earned Income Tax Credit, and invest in housing and renewable energy. She raised $2.8 million during the primary, making her one of the top House fundraisers nationally.
A record-breaking, open race
This year's primaries were the most expensive in New Jersey's history, with major-party candidates spending nearly $55 million, including $37 million in public matching funds. The open seat, due to Governor Murphy's term limits, drew an unusually crowded and competitive field on both sides, with no clear front-runner until the final votes were tallied.
With Ciattarelli and Sherrill now set for a high-stakes November showdown, New Jersey voters will decide whether the Garden State stays blue or flips red in one of 2025's most closely watched gubernatorial contests.

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