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Governors

New Jersey Gubernatorial Primaries: A Race for Control

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Eleven candidates are vying for the Democratic and GOP nominations in the June 10 primaries, with five candidates running for the Republican nod and six candidates for the Democratic nomination. The primary election is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history, with a record amount of campaign cash being spent. The Democratic field is led by Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who is running on a platform of affordable housing, clean energy, and resisting the Trump administration.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Democratic field is led by Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who is running on a platform of affordable housing, clean energy, and resisting the Trump administration.
  • Sherrill is facing challenges from Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who is running on a platform of taking on the Trump administration and fighting for the working class.
  • Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop is also running on the Democratic ticket, arguing that he is an outsider and that is what voters want and need.
  • On the Republican side, Jack Ciattarelli is the front-runner, with Trump's endorsement expected to give him a major boost with GOP primary voters.
  • Ciattarelli's opponents are state Sen Jon Bramnick, Justin Barbera, Mario Kranjac, and Bill Spadea, all of whom are arguing that Ciattarelli is a "compromiser" who too often supports Democrat-led policies and positions.
  • Sean Spiller, the president of the New Jersey Education Association, is decrying the spending in the primary election, arguing that too many candidates are beholden to "big money" and that he is the only candidate who can be trusted to resist its influence.

Statistics:

  • $122 million has been spent in the 2025 gubernatorial primaries, making it the most expensive governor's race in New Jersey history.
  • Rep. Mikie Sherrill has led the Democratic field in public polling, but Jay City Mayor Steve Fulop suggests that internal campaign polls show a closer race than publicly reported.
  • Jack Ciattarelli has received the endorsement of President Trump, which is expected to boost his chances with GOP primary voters.
  • The Democratic field has six candidates, while the Republican field has five candidates.

Sources:

  • "Voter Guide: Election 2025" by New Jersey Monitor, accessed June 2025.
  • "Trump trash New Jersey as 'Blue Horror Show, Again' Urges Support for Ex-Assemblyman for Governor" by New Jersey Monitor, accessed June 2025.
  • "With $122m Spent, The 2025 Governors' Race Is Already New Jersey's Most Expensive" by New Jersey Monitor, accessed June 2025.
  • "Trump's Endorsement of Ciattarelli Is Expected to Give Him a Major Boost with GOP Primary Voters" by New Jersey Monitor, accessed June 2025.
  • "Sherrill Launches Attack Against Ciattarelli and His Coziness with Trump" by New Jersey Monitor, accessed June 2025.
  • "Newark Mayor Detained by Federal Agents During Protest at ICE Jail" by New Jersey Monitor, accessed May 2025.
  • "Judge Admonishes Prosecutors Over Handling of Newark Mayor's Arrest" by New Jersey Monitor, accessed May 2025.
  • "Feds Sue Four New Jersey Democratic Mayors for Policies Blocking Immigration Enforcement" by New Jersey Monitor, accessed May 2025.
  • "Newark Mayor Sues Feds Over Arrest Outside ICE Facility" by New Jersey Monitor, accessed June 2025.
  • "Trumpiest' Candidate in GOP Governor's Race: 'I Cut Taxes, Cut Spending, and Refused to Build Affordable Housing in Our Town'" by New Jersey Monitor, accessed June 2025.
  • "Spadea Cuts Ad Addressing Trump Snub, Remains Committed to Outsider Argument" by New Jersey Monitor, accessed June 2025.
  • "Fulop Says Internal Sherrill Campaign Polls Show a Closer Race" by New Jersey Monitor, accessed June 2025.
  • "Sweeney Suggests Institutional Candidate May Have Trouble Getting Elected in November" by New Jersey Monitor, accessed June 2025.
  • "Teachers Union PAC Has Given $40m to Group Backing Union President's Gubernatorial Run" by New Jersey Monitor, accessed June 2025.
  • "Gottheimer Focuses on State Spending, Vows to Cut Property Taxes and Fight Trenton Machine" by New Jersey Monitor, accessed June 2025.

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