Rep. Sherrill Wins NJ Democratic Gubernatorial Primary

Representative Mikie Sherrill secured the Democratic nomination for New Jersey governor on Tuesday, winning the primary with 34% of the vote. The Associated Press called the race less than an hour after polls closed, with Sherrill defeating five other candidates including fellow Representative Josh Gottheimer, who finished fourth with 12% of the vote despite spending heavily on campaign advertisements. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop placed second and third respectively.

Sherrill, who has represented New Jersey's 11th Congressional District since 2018, will face Republican Jack Ciattarelli in the November 4 general election. Ciattarelli won the Republican primary with 67.5% of the vote and had received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. The winner of the general election will replace term-limited Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, with both parties viewing the race as significant for their prospects in the 2026 midterm elections.

The New Jersey gubernatorial contest, along with the upcoming race in Virginia, is considered an indicator of political trends following the 2024 presidential election. Democrats have performed well in several 2025 state races thus far, winning seats previously held by Republicans in multiple states including Wisconsin, New York, and Pennsylvania. New Jersey has traditionally voted Democratic in statewide races, though Republicans see potential opportunities in the current political environment.

Under New Jersey's electoral rules, Sherrill will retain her congressional seat unless she wins the governorship in November. Representative Gottheimer will continue serving in Congress representing the state's 5th District following his primary defeat. The primary campaign featured several notable candidates including Baraka, who faced trespassing charges after protesting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, and Fulop, who uniquely ran with allied candidates for state Assembly positions.