Latino Voters in New Jersey: A Crucial Factor in the 2024 Governor's Election

Strategic Insights -

In the lead-up to the 2024 governor's election in New Jersey, Latino voters are emerging as a critical factor. Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill is seeking to reverse Donald Trump's gains with Latino voters in the 2024 election, while her Republican rival, Jack Ciattarelli, is looking to build on them. The two candidates have been courting Latino voters in the state, with Ciattarelli banking on their support to win the election.

Ciattarelli's campaign has been focused on appealing to Latino voters by highlighting his commitment to reducing costs, investing in small businesses, and tackling rising rents. He has also been reaching out to Latino pastors and community leaders, receiving their endorsements and prayers. In an interview with CNN, Ciattarelli said, "I want you to continue to grow. I want you to continue to prosper, and that's what my governorship is all about for every one of our minority communities."

Sherrill's campaign, on the other hand, has been emphasizing the need to protect the rights of Latino voters and to hold Trump accountable for his failed promises. In a CNN interview, Sherrill said, "I think there was a movement towards the president because he promised to cut costs and people are very cost sensitive here. He committed to driving those down and in fact has done the opposite."

Latino voters make up nearly 22% of New Jersey's population, and no county saw a bigger move toward Trump than Passaic, where Latinos account for roughly 43% of the population. In 2020, Trump lost the county to Joe Biden by 16 points, but four years later, Trump bested then-Vice President Kamala Harris here by nearly 3 points. In the city of Passaic, where more than 70% of residents are Hispanic, Trump defeated Harris by nearly 1,100 votes, a swing from Biden's almost 5,000-vote advantage.

Key Takeaways:

  • Latino voters make up nearly 22% of New Jersey's population, and their support is critical in the 2024 governor's election.
  • Ciattarelli's campaign is banking on Latino voters to win the election, while Sherrill is seeking to reverse Trump's gains with this demographic.
  • Latino voters in Passaic County are a key target for both candidates, with Ciattarelli receiving endorsements from Latino pastors and community leaders.
  • Sherrill's campaign is emphasizing the need to protect the rights of Latino voters and to hold Trump accountable for his failed promises.
  • Latino voters are a crucial factor in determining whether Democrats extend control in the governor's office for a third straight term or whether a Republican aligned with Trump's agenda will lead the state.

Statistics:

  • Latino voters make up 22% of New Jersey's population.
  • No county saw a bigger move toward Trump than Passaic, where Latinos account for roughly 43% of the population.
  • Trump lost Passaic County to Joe Biden by 16 points in 2020.
  • Trump bested then-Vice President Kamala Harris in Passaic County by nearly 3 points in 2024.
  • In the city of Passaic, where more than 70% of residents are Hispanic, Trump defeated Harris by nearly 1,100 votes.
  • An AP-NORC poll conducted in October found 25% of Hispanic adults nationally have a "somewhat" or "very" favorable view of the president.
  • In New Jersey, a slim majority of Hispanic registered voters (53%) said they would vote for Sherrill, according to a Fox News poll conducted earlier this month.

Sources:

  • "Passaic County, New Jersey (CNN)"
  • "AP-NORC poll conducted in October"
  • "Fox News poll conducted earlier this month"
  • "New Jersey Republican State Committee"
  • "New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin"