New Jersey Gubernatorial Election: Sherrill and Ciattarelli in a Tight Race

With the New Jersey gubernatorial election just weeks away, a recent poll indicates that the contest is extremely close. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, and former Republican Congressman Jack Ciattarelli are virtually neck-and-neck, each receiving 43% support from likely voters in a survey conducted by Emerson College in partnership with WPIX 11 and The Hill.

Key Poll Findings

• Statistical Dead Heat: Sherrill and Ciattarelli are separated by a mere four votes among 935 respondents, with nearly 11% of voters remaining undecided.
• Demographics: The candidates attract different demographic groups:
  • Young Voters (18-39): Sherrill leads with a significant 58% to 24% advantage.
  • Middle-Aged Voters (40s): Sherrill holds a narrow lead of 47% to 40%.
  • Older Voters (50+): Ciattarelli takes the lead with 52% to 36% in this category.

"The first Emerson College general election survey of New Jersey’s 2025 election for Governor reveals a tightly contested race in the Garden State," said Spencer Kimball, Executive Director of Emerson College Polling.

Voter Sentiment Toward Current Leadership

Residents of New Jersey are largely dissatisfied with outgoing Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, showing:

• 44% disapproval of his job performance.
• 35% approval, a decline of five points since May.
• 21% neutral responses.

This prevailing dissatisfaction could significantly influence the upcoming election results.

Divided Opinions on Governance and Policy

Voter opinions are split regarding whether New Jersey’s next governor should work together with the Trump administration:

• 51% prefer a stance of resistance.
• 49% support cooperation.

This reflects a notable shift from earlier surveys conducted in May, where more residents favored collaboration.

The Candidates Debate

The tension between Sherrill and Ciattarelli became evident during their first debate. The 90-minute event quickly turned aggressive, characterized by back-and-forth attacks.

• Ciattarelli’s Remarks:

  • He criticized Sherrill’s ties to Murphy and questioned her New Jersey credentials by emphasizing her Virginia upbringing.
  • He stated, “If he was from New Jersey… nobody wants wind farms off our Jersey Shore.”
• Sales Tax Discussion:
  • Ciattarelli firmly stated, “We are not raising the sales tax here in New Jersey.”
  • In contrast, Sherrill was cautious, noting she couldn’t commit to any promises at this stage.

Conclusion

As the election draws near, the race between Sherrill and Ciattarelli remains one of the most closely watched contests in the country. Voter demographics and sentiments toward the current administration will likely play a pivotal role in the outcome. With a significant number of undecided voters, both candidates will need to strengthen their positions and appeal to a wider range of constituents.

For more political insights, stay tuned to WPIX 11 and follow the updates on The Hill.