Overview

• Mikie Sherrill claimed the Democratic nomination with roughly 34% of primary votes and has centered her campaign on opposing President Trump’s agenda.
• Jack Ciattarelli, who secured the Republican nod with about 68% and won Trump’s endorsement after previously criticizing him, is pivoting to local priorities including property taxes and education.
• Sherrill used her victory speech to brand Ciattarelli a “Trump lackey” and signal plans to tie him to the president’s policies throughout the general election.
• Ciattarelli is targeting independent and disaffected Democratic voters by stressing reforms to judicial appointments, repeal of sanctuary laws and infrastructure investment.
• Seen as a bellwether, New Jersey’s off-year gubernatorial race is viewed as an early referendum on Trumpism and a gauge of party strength ahead of the 2026 midterms.