Sherrill Leads Tight New Jersey Governor Race

With fewer than three weeks until Election Day, New Jersey’s closely watched governor’s race — one of only two gubernatorial contests this year to draw national attention — shows Democrat Mikie Sherrill holding a modest lead over Republican Jack Ciattarelli in multiple recent polls (Quinnipiac 50%–44%, Fairleigh Dickinson 52%–45%, others), with overall leads of roughly 5–7 points and undecided voters near 3%. Quinnipiac data show Ciattarelli’s supporters reporting higher enthusiasm (91% vs. 86%) and he leads among men, while Sherrill leads among women. Campaign activity has intensified: Ciattarelli has mobilized MAGA influencers and is planning a string of tele-rallies with Donald Trump, while Sherrill has drawn national Democratic surrogates including Gretchen Whitmer, Wes Moore, Amy Klobuchar and Gabby Giffords. Polling shows issue divides — Sherrill is trusted more on education and public transit and is rated higher on empathy and honesty by some voters, while Ciattarelli performs better on the economy and property taxes. Political observers say turnout will likely decide the race in a normally Democratic state whose margins have tightened, making last-minute national surrogates and voter enthusiasm potentially determinative and a bellwether for 2026 strategy.