Ciattarelli, Sherrill Win 2025 NJ Governor Primaries

Jack Ciattarelli, a former state legislator, secured the Republican nomination for New Jersey's 2025 governor's race, defeating four rivals including Bill Spadea and State Senator Jon Bramnick, and is now positioned as the most MAGA-aligned GOP candidate after a high-profile endorsement from Donald Trump. Ciattarelli, who narrowly lost to Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021, shifted from a moderate stance to embrace Trump’s platform, aiming to flip the traditionally Democratic state. On the Democratic side, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a moderate and former Navy pilot, won a crowded primary and is focusing her campaign on affordability, tax credits, and renewable energy. The primaries set a spending record, with nearly $55 million spent by major-party candidates. The November general election is expected to be highly competitive and is drawing national attention, as New Jersey is one of only two states with a gubernatorial race this year. Trump’s active involvement underscores the broader national stakes of the contest.