New Jersey Holds High-Spending Governor Primaries Amid Trump Influence

New Jersey voters are selecting Democratic and Republican nominees for governor in a high-profile primary where President Donald Trump, though not on the ballot, plays a dominant role. Trump has endorsed Republican Jack Ciattarelli, who is favored to win the GOP nomination and has closely aligned his campaign with the president's agenda, intensifying competition among Republicans. On the Democratic side, six candidates are competing to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy, with the race serving as an early indicator of public sentiment toward Trump's administration and the political parties' strategies ahead of the 2026 congressional elections. The election is one of the most expensive in New Jersey's history, with over $85 million spent on ads, many of which focus on contrasting support for or opposition to Trump. Analysts note that Trump's influence underscores the state’s political polarization, with his strong showing in New Jersey making the gubernatorial race a critical contest for both parties. Overall, the primaries highlight the broader national impact of Trump's presidency on state-level politics.