For the first time in over four decades, New Jersey has had two consecutive governors—Chris Christie and Phil Murphy—re-elected for two terms each.
Despite their contrasting political ideologies and professional backgrounds, voters opted to retain both leaders after their first terms in office.
Now, as New Jersey gears up for its 2025 gubernatorial election, the political landscape is anything but certain.
While historically a Democratic-leaning state in presidential elections (voting Democratic since 1992), recent developments, such as former President Donald Trump flipping 61 New Jersey towns in the 2024 presidential race, have sparked curiosity about how this might influence the upcoming state election.
New Poll Shows Widespread Indecision
A recent survey by Emerson College Polling reveals that a significant portion of New Jersey voters remain undecided about their choice for governor.
With no incumbent in the race, both parties are preparing for competitive primaries. Key findings include:
- 52% of primary voters are undecided: This includes 47% of Republicans and 56% of Democrats.
- Among Democrats, Governor Phil Murphy enjoys a 75% approval rating, but no clear consensus has emerged on a successor.
Democratic Candidates
Here’s a breakdown of polling results for Democratic candidates:
- Mikie Sherrill: 10%
- Sean Spiller: 8%
- Ras Baraka: 8%
- Josh Gottheimer: 7%
- Stephen Sweeney: 7%
- Steve Fulop: 4%
These results indicate that Democratic candidates have significant work to do in appealing to undecided voters. Notably, Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and North Jersey congresswoman, leads the pack.
Spiller, the Mayor of Montclair and head of the New Jersey Education Association, and Baraka, the Mayor of Newark running on an economy-focused platform, follow closely.
Republican Candidates
New Jersey Republicans, who have elected only one governor in the 21st century, show more clarity in their preferences. The polling results are as follows:
- Jack Ciattarelli: 26%
- Bill Spadea: 13%
- Other candidates: Jon Bramnick (4%), Roger Bacon (3%), Hans Herberg (3%), and Edward Durr (2%)
Ciattarelli’s strong support stems from his narrow loss to Phil Murphy in the 2021 gubernatorial race, where he captured 48% of the vote.
Spadea, a conservative radio host, has also garnered attention but trails significantly behind Ciattarelli.
Key Issues for Voters
Economic concerns are currently the most important issue for New Jersey voters, shaping candidate platforms and campaign strategies.
Looking Ahead
As the primary elections approach in less than six months, candidates from both parties face the daunting challenge of persuading undecided voters.
With New Jersey’s political history, demographic shifts, and recent surprises in national elections, this year’s race is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.
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