Sherrill, Ciattarelli win New Jersey gubernatorial primaries – where Trump is front and center

The results of New Jersey’s gubernatorial primaries have set the stage for a competitive race in November, with U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill winning the Democratic primary and former state assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli winning the Republican primary. The Associated Press has projected these outcomes, indicating a showdown where President Donald Trump’s influence on Garden State voters will be put to the test.

Republicans are aiming to turn the governorship from blue to red, citing last year’s presidential results as evidence of a more favorable environment for their party in the state. Trump, endorsing Ciattarelli, emphasized the importance of this election for the future of New Jersey, characterizing the state as a high-tax, high-crime sanctuary that needs a change.

Despite Democrats winning New Jersey by smaller margins in recent elections, Sherrill will need to campaign in a state that may be shifting towards the Republican side. She expressed determination at a recent event, vowing to challenge the status quo and send a strong message come November.

The general election will also serve as a litmus test for the strength of a Trump endorsement without the former president on the ballot. Ciattarelli, who likely benefited from Trump’s support in the primary, will now need to rally Trump’s base in New Jersey to ensure turnout in the upcoming election.

Other candidates in the Democratic primary included Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, and former state Senate president Steve Sweeney. On the Republican side, Ciattarelli faced competition from conservative radio personality Bill Spadea, state Sen. Jon Bramnick, former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac, and contractor Justin Barbera.

The race is on track to become the most expensive election in New Jersey’s history, with over $85 million spent on advertising. Ad spending has been significant, with Gottheimer and Fulop leading among Democrats, and Ciattarelli dominating Republican ad expenditures. Trump has been a focal point in the ads, with about 70% of broadcast airings mentioning his name, according to AdImpact.

As the campaign heats up for the general election in November, both candidates will need to mobilize their supporters and make their case to the voters of New Jersey. The outcome of this race will not only determine the next governor but also shed light on the evolving political landscape in the Garden State.

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