With New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s second term coming to a close, New Jersey prepares for a new governor to take over Trenton. Following the 2024 Presidential Election, researchers and politicians are calling New Jersey’s governor race one of the most important elections to pay attention to this year. New Jersey is one of two states holding a gubernatorial election drawing attention as an early indicator of political trends ahead of the 2026 Midterm elections. Recent elections have also had much closer outcomes with Democrats’ margins shrinking in both the gubernatorial election and the 2024 presidential election. Historically, New Jersey has elected a governor in the opposite party of the sitting president, a pattern that has been running since 1989 with the only exception taking place in 2021. 

History teacher Robert Fenster explained how this election affects education in New Jersey. “Every gubernatorial election is important as we are choosing the chief executive of the government of our state. This particular election may be more important than most as the president of the United States is placing unprecedented federal pressure on states, threatening to defund various programs if there isn’t compliance at the state level. The next governor could be an ally of the president or a major thorn in his side. For example, the president has indicated the suspension of federal funds for schools that don’t adhere to his anti-DEI position (which is not clearly defined). Will the next governor strive to protect schools or join in on the president’s agenda?” Fenster said. Fenster noted that voters should understand the campaign platforms of the candidates and their intentions when dealing with federal pressure when considering who to vote for. 

Here’s what you need to know about the Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates:

Ras Barka is a career politician who currently serves as mayor of Newark, a position he has held since 2014. According to Barka’s campaign website, he plans to provide more economic stability for the working class, allowing them to be able to afford healthcare, healthier foods, and safer housing. 

Steve Fulop is a career politician who currently serves as the mayor of Jersey City, a position he has held since 2013. As governor, Fulop supports bail reform and aims to lower crime rates by dealing with repeat offenders and getting first time offenders help in the criminal justice system. 

Josh Gottheimer is a former speechwriter for President Bill Clinton and currently serves as the Representative for New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District which includes the entire northern border of New Jersey, most of Bergen County, parts of Passaic County, and Sussex County. According to Gottheimer’s campaign website, he aims to fight hate and racial disparities and tolower costs for New Jersey residents 

Mikie Sherrill is a Navy Veteran, a former attorney at the US Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and currently serves as New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District Representative, representing parts of Essex County, Morris County, and Passaic County. According to her campaign website, one of the key issues that Sherrill plans to address is the affordability of New Jersey. 

Sean Spiller is a former teacher, former member of the Montclair City Council, and former Montclair Mayor who currently serves as the President of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). Spiller aims to make New Jersey more affordable such as housing, healthcare, and childcare for the middle class. 

Stephen Sweeney is a career politician who represented New Jersey’s District 3 which includes parts of Cumberland County, and Salem County in the State senate from 2002 to 2022 where he also served as Senate President for 12 of those years. As governor, Sweeney wants to fight for New Jersey workers, lower the housing costs, and cut taxes for the average New Jersey resident. 

Here’s what you need to know about the Republican Gubernatorial Candidates:

Jon Bramnick represented New Jersey’s 21st District which includes Morris County, parts of Somerset County, and the municipalities of Dunellen and Middlesex from Middlesex County in the New Jersey State Assembly from 2003 to 2022 where he also served as Assembly Minority Leader. Bramnick is also a licensed attorney and business law professor. According to his campaign website, making New Jersey more affordable and empowering patients and doctors to keep providing top quality healthcare are just two of Bramnick’s key points.

Jack Ciattarelli is a career politician who is in his third run for governor. Ciattarelli has served on the Raritan Borough Council and the Somerset County Board of Commissioners prior to serving in the New Jersey General Assembly where he represented the 16th district, which includes Hunterdon County, South Brunswick Township from Middlesex County, and the remaining municipalities in Somerset County. Ciattarelli also received the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump on May 12th for Governor.  Some of the key issues that Ciattarelli is fighting for are reforming the government so it works for the people and restoring law, order, and respect for law enforcement. 

Bill Spadea is a radio host who is also a US Marine Corps Veteran. Defending New Jersey from illegal immigration, making New Jersey affordable, and fixing infrastructure across New Jersey, as just some of the key issues Spadea plans on addressing as Governor. 

Information for Voters

The deadline to register for in-person, mail-in, or online voting is May 20. The deadline to request an absentee or main-in ballots in-person is June 9, while the request by mail is due June 3. Absentee ballots must be returned by June 10. Polls open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. EDT. Voters in Hillsborough can go to the Hillsborough Municipal Building, Auten Road Intermediate School, Hillsborough High School, Hillsborough Middle School, or the Woods Road Firehouse, depending on the district that they live in. You can find out the district you live in by visiting njleg.state.nj.us/district-map and inputting your address. Sample ballots will be mailed out across the state starting May 28.