(The Center Square) — Democrat Mikie Sherrill defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli in the nationally watched race for New Jersey’s next governor Tuesday, giving national Democrats a win in a race viewed as the first major electoral test on President Donald Trump’s second term.
Sherrill had 57% of the vote to Ciattarelli’s 42% when the race was called by the Associated Press shortly after 9 p.m., an hour after polls closed. Independent candidate Vic Kaplan trailed a distant third place, according to the preliminary tally.
“New Jersey, it is the honor of my life to earn your trust to become this great state’s 57th Governor,” Sherill posted on social media after the race was called Tuesday night. “I promise to listen, lead with courage, and never forget who I serve.” “
Sherrill, a four-term congresswoman, was facing Ciattarelli, a former GOP assemblyman, to replace outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat who is prevented from seeking reelection because of term limits.
Ciattarelli, 63, is a former state assemblyman, focused on affordability and argues the Democratic leadership in Trenton has driven up costs for many New Jersey families and businesses. He touted plans for improving public education and lowering energy costs and property taxes.
Sherrill, 53, is a former Navy pilot and federal prosecutor who was first elected to Congress in 2018. On the campaign trail, she tied Ciattarelli’s platform to Trump’s agenda, warning that he would seek to replicate the president’s divisive policies in the state if elected. But she also kept her distance from Murphy, a fellow Democrat, who has been criticized for his taxing and spending policies.
Like other races on Tuesday’s ballot, Trump cast a long shadow over the race. Ciattarelli, who ran for the seat twice before, had the president’s endorsement. Sherrill made opposition to Trump a focus of her campaign, warning that Ciattarelli would emulate the president’s divisive policies if elected.
The New Jersey governor’s race drew national attention as a potential preview for what’s to come in the 2026 midterms and an early gauge of Trump’s favorability with voters.
Record numbers of voters turned out, according to state elections officials, who said more than 1 million ballots were cast during early voting. Polls ahead of Tuesday showed a neck-and-neck race between the two candidates.
New Jersey authorities reported multiple bomb threats Tuesday at voting locations throughout the state, prompting investigations and leading to the arrest of a juvenile for at least one of the incidents, according to state authorities. None of the threats were deemed not credible, authorities said.
“Voters should continue to have confidence that they can cast their ballot without fear of intimidation, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure a free, fair, and secure election,” Attorney General Matt Platkin said. “Make no mistake: We will not tolerate any attempts to interfere with our elections, and we will swiftly hold accountable anyone who seeks to interfere with the safety or security of our electoral process.”
