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New Jersey Voters Head to Polls in High-Spending Governor Primaries

Analysts say the contests will test President Trump’s influence in New Jersey following the removal of the county line ballot advantage.

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Jack Ciattarelli speaks at the New Jersey Republican gubernatorial primary debate at NJ PBS Studios on May 7 in Newark, New Jersey.
FILE - Sean Spiller, head of the teachers union New Jersey Education Association, speaks after the Democratic gubernatorial debate at Rider University on Feb. 2, 2025, in Lawrenceville, N.J. (AP Photo/Mike Catalini, File)
FILE -Former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli speaks after the first Republican debate Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, at Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J. (AP Photo/Mike Catalini, File)

Overview

  • Rep. Mikie Sherrill leads a six-candidate Democratic field with strong county party backing while rivals such as Steven Fulop, Ras Baraka and Josh Gottheimer focus on housing, affordability and immigration.
  • Former state assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli is the clear frontrunner in the Republican primary after securing President Trump’s endorsement despite challenges from Bill Spadea, Jon Bramnick, Mario Kranjac and Justin Barbera.
  • Elimination of the county line on ballots has leveled the playing field for candidates without party backing, resulting in unusually competitive primaries for both parties.
  • Campaigns and outside groups have poured over $85 million into advertising, making this the most expensive nonpresidential primary in New Jersey history.
  • Outcomes on Tuesday will offer an early barometer of voter sentiment on Trump’s agenda and set the tone for the November general election and next year’s midterms.