Trump-Backed Ciattarelli, Sherrill Win NJ Governor Primaries \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Trump-endorsed Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill won New Jersey’s primaries for governor. The November race will center on affordability, Trump’s policies, and the state’s political direction. Sherrill, a Navy veteran and prosecutor, frames the election as a pivotal fight for the future.
Quick Looks
- Jack Ciattarelli, endorsed by President Trump, wins GOP primary
- Democrat Mikie Sherrill defeats five high-profile opponents
- November race shaped by affordability, taxes, and Trump’s influence
- Sherrill touts Navy and legal career; calls Ciattarelli a “lackey”
- Ciattarelli slams Sherrill as “Phil Murphy 2.0”
- Trump’s rising presence in New Jersey politics looms large
- Sherrill aims to become NJ’s second female governor
- Race may preview national mood post-2024 election
Deep Look
The political stage is now set for a closely watched gubernatorial battle in New Jersey after Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill clinched their party nominations Tuesday. Backed by President Donald Trump, Ciattarelli will face off against Sherrill, a former Navy pilot and federal prosecutor, in what promises to be one of the most politically charged and nationally symbolic elections of 2025.
With affordability, state taxes, and national political influence on the line, the contest could become a referendum not only on New Jersey’s direction but also on Trump’s enduring hold over the Republican Party—and his broader influence in blue-leaning states.
Sherrill Rises from a Crowded Field
Mikie Sherrill emerged from a competitive Democratic primary featuring five seasoned contenders. Among her challengers were sitting Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, former State Senate President Steve Sweeney, and powerful teachers’ union leader Sean Spiller.
What set Sherrill apart was her compelling biography and consistent opposition to Trump. A Naval Academy graduate who flew helicopters before becoming a federal prosecutor, she has emphasized public service and integrity. She gained national attention during the Trump presidency, flipping a historically Republican congressional seat in 2018.
In her victory speech Tuesday night, Sherrill branded the race as a defining moment for both the state and the country. She accused Ciattarelli of being a “lackey” for Trump and likened New Jersey’s upcoming election to its role during the American Revolution—on the front lines of a larger struggle. “This is not a war for independence,” she declared, “but a fight for our future.”
Sherrill’s campaign platform has focused heavily on affordability—especially housing costs. While she has not offered a sweeping tax reform plan, she supports targeted measures such as expanding development tax credits to stimulate more housing construction.
Ciattarelli: Trump-Endorsed, GOP’s Best Hope in Years
Jack Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman and founder of a medical publishing company, defeated four GOP challengers: former radio host Bill Spadea, state Sen. Jon Bramnick, former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac, and businessman Justin Barbera.
Ciattarelli nearly unseated Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021, losing by just three points. His strong performance that year laid the groundwork for his 2025 run, and he heads into the general election with renewed party unity and a Trump endorsement that could help energize the Republican base.
Speaking to supporters Tuesday night, Ciattarelli said, “We won because we were positive, we had the issues that matter.” He emphasized tax reform and economic revitalization, calling out Democrats for failing to curb the state’s notoriously high property taxes.
The crowd roared in approval when Ciattarelli derided both Gov. Murphy and Sherrill, calling her “Phil Murphy 2.0”—a clear signal that he plans to tie her closely to the term-limited Democratic incumbent.
Trump’s Imprint on New Jersey Politics
President Trump’s endorsement came in the final stretch of the primary campaign, with a post on social media praising Ciattarelli for understanding the “Make America Great Again” movement. Trump, who maintains part-time residency in New Jersey and has deep business ties to the state, remains unpopular among the general electorate but deeply influential among Republican voters.
Trump’s policies—and his divisive political style—are likely to be a central focus in the months ahead. While New Jersey has reliably voted Democratic in presidential and Senate races, its odd-year gubernatorial elections are known for volatility. Each of the last three Republican governors, including Christine Todd Whitman, secured second terms in an otherwise blue state.
For Ciattarelli, the challenge will be to retain support from the pro-Trump base while also appealing to moderates and independents in a state where Trump lost three presidential elections, though by a narrower margin in 2024 (6 points compared to 16 in 2020).
For Sherrill, the task will be to consolidate Democratic support while presenting herself as a fresh alternative to Murphy’s legacy. Notably, Gov. Murphy did not endorse anyone in the Democratic primary.
What’s at Stake
With only two gubernatorial races on the calendar this year—New Jersey and Virginia—national observers will be watching closely for signs of electoral momentum following the 2024 presidential race. Democrats are hoping to use the race to regroup after a difficult cycle, while Republicans see a rare opportunity to regain ground in the Northeast.
Voters like Fred Martucci, a 75-year-old retiree from Trenton, praised Sherrill’s performance at a recent forum, saying she “stood her ground and answered every question.” Others, like 45-year-old Thomas Walton, cited frustration with the state’s tax burdens as the reason for backing Ciattarelli. “He deserves the chance to change the way Trenton works,” Walton said.
If elected, Sherrill would become New Jersey’s second female governor, following Republican Christine Todd Whitman. The outcome in November could reset the state’s political balance and signal whether Trump’s MAGA movement still resonates beyond the GOP base—or whether voters are looking for new leadership in a time of economic anxiety and political division.
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