By Amanda Brucculeri
Boston University News Service
Democrat Mikie Sherrill has defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli in the election race to replace Democrat Phil Murphy as New Jersey’s governor.
Pre-election polling indicated a tight race between Sherrill and Ciattarelli, with Sherrill holding a narrow lead. Securing a major win for Democrats, Sherrill’s triumph comes in their first election cycle since the start of Trump’s second term.
Mikie Sherrill becomes New Jersey’s new governor
Sherrill has served as the U.S. representative for New Jersey’s 11th congressional district since 2019 and is seen as a centrist Democrat. She graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1994 and served as a helicopter pilot and naval officer for 10 years. She is also a former federal prosecutor and became the assistant U.S. Attorney for New Jersey in 2015.
Sherrill’s campaign focused on affordability, protecting children and making the state government more accountable for New Jersey residents.
Jack Ciattarelli loses the election
Ciattarelli, who narrowly lost to incumbent Gov. Philip D. Murphy during the last election in 2021, is a former state legislator and certified public accountant. He is also the owner of Galen Publishing, L.L.C., a medical publishing company.
Ciattarelli had previously condemned Trump in his last run for governor. However, during this year’s election season, the president endorsed him. While Ciattarelli has not put Trump’s support at the center of his campaign, he hoped to implement many policies that align with the current Trump administration’s actions. For example, he vowed to end sanctuary cities if elected.
Aside from this, he also was a proponent of expanding a property tax freeze for seniors and was a strong critic of the state’s tax structure. Like Sherrill’s campaign, affordability was one of the main focuses of Ciattarelli’s run.
What’s next for New Jersey?
This marks a third consecutive gubernatorial win for the Democratic Party in New Jersey, which hasn’t been done in more than 60 years.
Sherrill has pledged to make affordability one of her top priorities as governor. She has previously said that she would declare a state of emergency on utility costs on day one in an effort to freeze rate hikes.
Protecting New Jersey’s children is another top priority according to Sherrill, specifically ensuring that all students are getting access to a “great education.” She said she’s also aiming to make the state government more accountable to tax payers. Improving NJ Transit, increasing housing affordability, and addressing climate change are also on Sherrill’s to-do list as governor.
