Steve Sweeney Announces 2025 New Jersey Gubernatorial Bid

Former Senate President to Run Again After Unexpected 2021 Loss, Faces Competition from Fellow Democrats and Republicans

Former New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney announced his bid for governor of New Jersey, aiming to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy in the 2025 election.
Sweeney, who served as the state Senate president from 2010 to 2022, lost a reelection bid to Republican Ed Durr in 2021.
In his campaign launch, Sweeney emphasized his career history as a union ironworker, labor leader, and legislator, and his work to pass measures such as a minimum wage indexed to inflation, paid family leave, and the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, another Democrat, is also seeking to succeed Murphy. Fulop referred to Sweeney as a more 'conservative' Democrat, citing his close relationship with former Republican Gov. Christie.
Former Republican Assembly member Jack Ciattarelli, whom Murphy defeated in 2021, has also announced plans to run for his party’s nomination in 2025.