New Jersey voters head to the polls for gubernatorial primaries today. Democratic candidates face a heated six-way race, while Republicans rally behind Ciattarelli with Trump’s endorsement fueling his campaign. Polls indicate the potential influence of national politics in a state where gubernatorial races often swing. Primary voting runs from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., shaping future political narratives in New Jersey.
New Jersey voters are heading to the polls today for the much-anticipated Democratic and Republican primaries for governor. This election is particularly significant, as it could reflect public sentiment regarding President Donald Trump’s administration and the strategies that Democrats are considering to counteract it. Uniquely, New Jersey remains one of only two states holding a gubernatorial election this year, the other being Virginia, and the political landscape is becoming tense with outgoing two-term Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy being term-limited and opting not to endorse a successor in these primaries.
Six Democratic candidates are vying for the nomination, including prominent figures like U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Sean Spiller, and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney. Fundraising appears to be tight; Gottheimer reports approximately $9.1 million raised, while Sherrill and Fulop are each at about $8.9 million. Polls indicate a neck-and-neck race, with Sherrill possibly holding a slight edge followed closely by Gottheimer, Fulop, and Baraka. Additionally, immigration seems to be a hot topic — recently, Baraka faced a dropped case related to his protest against a new federal immigration detention center.
On the Republican side, the stakes are also high as former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli seeks the nomination for a third time. He notably came close to defeating Gov. Murphy in 2021, losing by just a few points. His competition includes state Senator Jon Bramnick, ex-Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac, talk radio host Bill Spadea, and contractor Justin Barbera. Trump has been a significant influence in this race, endorsing Ciattarelli and rallying support, despite Ciattarelli’s past critical remarks about Trump. Bramnick stands out as a vocal critic of the former president within the primary field.
In recent years, Trump’s endorsement has shifted the dynamic in various GOP contests, and New Jersey is no different. Republican candidates have made their positions clear, emphasizing their commitment to dismantling sanctuary policies and supporting initiatives similar to the Trump administration’s governance strategies. Ciattarelli has promised immediate action on day one, intending to abolish the state’s Immigrant Trust Directive and reassess lawsuits against Trump’s policies, including a controversial birthright citizenship order.
New Jersey’s largest counties play a crucial role in the dynamics of the primaries. Historical data reveals that counties such as Bergen, Middlesex, Essex, and Hudson yield significant Democratic turnout compared to Republican areas. Notably, Essex County — home to Newark — saw the highest turnout during the last closely contested Democratic primary, contrasting with lower participations in the previous Republican primary. Ciattarelli was a standout in the last primary, receiving dual majorities across all counties, showcasing the potential volatility in upcoming elections.
Beyond the gubernatorial race, all 80 seats in the state General Assembly are contested, but only 25 districts face serious challenges. Voters in Bergen and Passaic counties will also select nominees for a special state Senate election in District 35, although no serious contests exist in either primary. Democrats currently dominate the state Legislature.
The political atmosphere remains tense as both parties prepare for the general election. Democrats are focusing on how to navigate Trump’s controversial agenda while Republicans plot to attribute New Jersey’s economic challenges to the Democratic leadership of recent years. Historically, New Jersey has leaned Democratic in federal elections but oscillated between parties during the gubernatorial races, with recent GOP governors achieving re-election, hinting at a fluctuating political landscape.
The primary election runs today from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m., with provisions in place to accommodate anyone in line at closing time. It is crucial to remember that only registered party members can vote in their respective parties’ primaries, though independents may choose to participate in either faction’s elections. Voters can find their polling places on the New Jersey Division of Elections website, track mail-in ballots via the Voter Information Portal, and find results later on the NBC New York election results page.
Today’s primary elections in New Jersey focus on both parties as they approach the general election climate amid Trump’s lingering influence. Dems face a tightly contested gubernatorial fight, while GOP candidates rally around Trump’s endorsement. As voter turnout is scrutinized, results could influence strategies moving forward, with attention on overarching state issues like economic concerns and immigration policy. This primary could set the tone for New Jersey’s electoral landscape in 2025.
Original Source: www.nbcnewyork.com
