Overview

• The DNC added $1.5 million on Sept. 16 to New Jersey’s coordinated campaign, bringing total off‑year support to $3 million, the most it has ever spent in the state.
• Funds will go toward hiring regional directors and organizers, scaling voter contact, testing tactics, and targeted outreach to Black, Latino and AANHPI voters as mail‑in voting begins Saturday.
• Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill leads Republican Jack Ciattarelli by about 7 points in the Decision Desk HQ/The Hill polling average, yet both parties are treating the race as competitive.
• A super PAC linked to the Republican Governors Association announced an initial $1 million ad buy for Ciattarelli, and GOP strategists framed the DNC influx as a sign of Democratic weakness.
• The contest has drawn national attention given New Jersey’s narrow 2021 governor’s race and Democratic erosion in 2024, with intensified efforts ahead of Election Day.