Democrat Rep. Mikie Sherrill won the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial election last night, defeating Republican Jack Ciattarelli in a closely contested night that drew national attention.
With nearly all precincts reported, Sherrill led Ciattarelli 56% to 43%, per the NY Times, securing a narrow but decisive win that will extend Democratic control of the governor’s office.
“We’ve chosen liberty, the very foundation of democracy, and we’ve chosen to create opportunity for all,” Sherrill said in her victory speech in East Brunswick. “So, New Jersey, to quote The Boss: ‘The future is now. Roll up your sleeves and let your passion flow. The country we carry in our hearts is waiting.’”
Ciattarelli, the Republican nominee for the second time after his narrow loss in 2021, conceded shortly after 9 p.m. at his campaign watch party in Bridgewater. Despite major endorsements from politicians like President Donald Trump, Ciattarelli lost in his third attempt in the governor’s race.
Ciattarelli fell short in key suburban swing areas where Sherrill’s messages on education, reproductive rights, and gun safety may have been a deciding factor. On top of that, Sherrill swayed the vote to the left in every county compared to last year’s presidential race.
Voter turnout surpassed 4 million, with about 65% of registered voters casting their vote, per NJ.gov.
Sherrill ran a campaign on expanding middle-class tax credits, increasing affordable housing incentives, battling the climate crisis, and strengthening infrastructure spending.
Sherrill’s victory cements her place in New Jersey history as its second female governor and one of the few women nationwide governing a state. She will be sworn in on Jan. 20, succeeding term-limited Democrat Phil Murphy.
In Bergen County, Democrats Thomas Sullivan, Mary Armoroso, and Germaine Ortiz won spots on the county board of commissioners, and Republicans Bob Auth and John Azzariti are leading the race for District 39 General Assembly, which represents towns like Hillsdale and River Vale in state government.
