New Jersey Gubernatorial Primaries Reflect Trump Influence, Tight GOP-Democrat Race

The 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial race is drawing national attention as a significant political barometer, with President Donald Trump playing a central role in both major party primaries. Although New Jersey is traditionally a solidly Democratic state, historical trends show voters often alternate the governorship between parties, and Republicans have gained ground with increasing registrations and grassroots momentum. On the Republican side, Jack Ciattarelli, a former assemblyman and 2021 gubernatorial candidate, leads the primary and has secured Trump's endorsement, which has boosted his standing significantly. Democrats face a crowded primary field with Rep. Mikie Sherrill holding a lead, but with many undecided voters, the nomination remains competitive. Democratic candidates emphasize the importance of the next governor acting as a counterbalance to Trump’s influence, focusing on issues like housing and immigration, while Republicans are energized by Trump’s rhetoric against the current Democratic leadership. With early voting favoring Democrats but the general election expected to be competitive, the outcome will be closely watched as an indicator of the political climate ahead of the 2026 midterms.