Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill has captured the governorship of New Jersey, defeating Republican Jack Ciattarelli and snatching what many considered the GOP’s best chance at an upset this election night.
The Associated Press called the race shortly before 9:30 p.m., with Sherrill leading by more than 10 points in a contest that was expected to be tight.
Sherrill Campaigns Against Trump’s Economy
Sherrill, who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2018, ran a campaign largely focused on President Donald Trump’s economic policies.
She drew parallels to her D.C. roommate, Democratic Representative Abigail Spanberger, who earlier in the night won the Virginia gubernatorial race.
Both victories give the Democratic Party a morale boost following setbacks in last year’s elections.
Independent Voters Deliver Key Support
Exit polls suggest Sherrill captured the support of a majority of independent voters—a critical demographic ahead of next year’s midterms.
Her campaign sent a clear message to the White House, echoing the sentiment that helped propel her to Congress in 2018.
Trump Tries to Rally Support for Ciattarelli
Although President Trump never campaigned alongside Ciattarelli in person, he ramped up his involvement in the race’s final hours.
Hours before polls closed, Trump posted on Truth Social urging “ALL PATRIOTIC CITIZENS OF THE GREAT STATE OF NEW JERSEY” to vote for Ciattarelli and highlighted support from New Jersey’s Orthodox Jewish community.
On Monday night, Trump hosted a tele-rally from the White House, touting Ciattarelli as a “great guy” and insisting he could “save New Jersey” and “make it great again.”
Despite his efforts, the polls never showed Ciattarelli in the lead, and the narrowing in the final days was not enough to swing the outcome.
A Blue State Challenge
Ciattarelli, who received Trump’s endorsement in May, faced an uphill battle in a state that traditionally elects governors from the party opposite the sitting president.
His attempt to portray himself as a true New Jersey native—a contrast to Sherrill, who moved to the state after serving as a Navy helicopter pilot—was not enough to overcome the state’s Democratic lean.
Sherrill Focuses on Cost-of-Living Issues
Much like Trump’s winning message last year, Sherrill centered her campaign on economic concerns, particularly lowering prices for everyday New Jerseyans.
She nicknamed Ciattarelli the “Trump of Trenton” and received a high-profile boost in the final weekend of the race when former President Barack Obama campaigned alongside her, further energizing Democratic voters.
Democrats Secure a Key Political Win
Sherrill’s victory in New Jersey, combined with wins in Virginia and other Democratic strongholds, signals a strong rebound for her party.
As the state looks toward the future, this win cements Sherrill’s reputation as a rising Democratic figure capable of defeating well-backed Republican challengers, even in potentially competitive races.