New Jersey Gov. Primary Day Tests Trump’s Influence in 2025/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ New Jersey’s primary for governor could indicate voter sentiment on Donald Trump’s second-term agenda. Democrats face a crowded field, while Republicans see former state lawmaker Jack Ciattarelli as the Trump-backed favorite. With the governorship up for grabs, both parties are framing the race as a national bellwether.
New Jersey Governor Primary 2025 Quick Looks
- Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy is term-limited, leaving the seat open
- Six Democrats and five Republicans are vying for nominations
- Donald Trump endorsed GOP frontrunner Jack Ciattarelli
- Voters weigh state issues like property taxes and national politics
- Early voting ran June 3–8, with polls open June 10 from 6 a.m.–8 p.m.
- The Democratic race includes prominent mayors and congressmembers
- Republicans want to repeal sanctuary policies and environmental laws
- Trump’s influence looms large, testing his impact at the state level
- Democrats are seeking a message that resonates post-2024 election losses
- Historically, New Jersey governors alternate parties, despite its blue tilt in federal races
Deep Look: New Jersey Primary Could Signal Trump’s Impact on 2025 Politics
TRENTON, N.J. — Voters in New Jersey head to the polls Tuesday for primary elections that could reveal how deeply Donald Trump’s return to the presidency is resonating with voters at the state level. With Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy term-limited, the open-seat gubernatorial contest is expected to offer early insights into the national mood ahead of 2026.
The race is one of only two gubernatorial contests this year — the other being in Virginia — giving it outsized importance. While New Jersey has leaned Democratic in federal races, state-level contests have often flipped, offering a rare competitive battleground for both parties in an otherwise polarized landscape.
High Stakes in an Open Race
On the Democratic side, the primary features a six-way contest among prominent political figures:
- Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark
- Steven Fulop, Mayor of Jersey City
- Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill, both U.S. Representatives
- Sean Spiller, head of the state’s teachers union
- Steve Sweeney, former state Senate president
Tens of millions have been poured into campaign advertising across New Jersey’s costly media markets, reflecting the significance of the race within the Democratic Party’s efforts to solidify power post-2024. Still reeling from setbacks last year, Democrats are looking for a clear message that resonates beyond coastal strongholds.
Trump Endorses Ciattarelli, Republicans Rally
Meanwhile, the GOP sees a chance to regain the governor’s mansion. Jack Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker and previous gubernatorial candidate, has emerged as the Republican frontrunner, buoyed by a vocal endorsement from Donald Trump. Four other GOP candidates have aligned with Trump’s platform, promising to implement a New Jersey version of his “Department of Government Efficiency” initiative.
In line with Trump-era rhetoric, Republican contenders have pledged to:
- End “sanctuary” immigration policies
- Repeal the state’s plastic bag ban
- Withdraw lawsuits against Trump-era federal policies
Ciattarelli, in particular, has said he would revoke New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive on his first day in office, restoring cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials. He’s also promised to terminate state-level legal actions against Trump’s second-term executive orders.
A Test of National and Local Politics
While the campaign is rooted in New Jersey-specific issues such as the high cost of living and property taxes, national politics remain front and center. Trump’s polarizing presence ensures that this primary will be closely watched as an indicator of both voter enthusiasm and backlash.
“Because these are the first major elections since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, there’s a tremendous amount at stake simply through public perception,” said Ben Dworkin, director of the Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship.
For Democrats, the loss of this governorship would signal deeper vulnerabilities heading into 2026. For Republicans, flipping the state would mark a significant win in traditionally Democratic territory — and further validate Trump’s approach.
Historical Trends and Voter Dynamics
Though New Jersey has been reliably blue in presidential and Senate races, gubernatorial elections often trend purple, with Republicans historically able to win and even serve multiple terms. The last three Republican governors each served at least two terms — a pattern Democrats are eager to disrupt.
Murphy, who was re-elected in 2021, made history as the first Democrat to win two terms in over 40 years. However, he has not endorsed a successor, adding another layer of uncertainty to the Democratic field.
The state’s voter registration leans Democratic, with the party holding a sizable edge. But independent voters — New Jersey’s second-largest bloc — will likely be decisive in November’s general election.
Frustrated Electorate, National Messaging
Democrats are emphasizing resistance to Trump’s second-term agenda, particularly on civil rights and immigration. Republicans, meanwhile, blame the state’s economic challenges on eight years of Democratic control and promise a return to what they call “common sense” government.
“This race is about more than who governs New Jersey,” Dworkin added. “It’s about who sets the tone for the post-2024 political battlefield.”
You must Register or Login to post a comment.