New Jersey Governor Race Shapes Gambling, Latino Voter Trends, and Regional Politics

The 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial race features Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill, with key issues including casino smoking bans, tax policies, and the political influence of Latino voters. Sherrill has expressed some support for a smoking ban in casinos, aligning with anti-smoking advocacy groups, while Ciattarelli, focused on lowering business regulations, has not pushed for such restrictions, with concerns that a ban could reduce casino revenues significantly. Tax policies are a contentious point, with Ciattarelli's campaign criticizing Sherrill for supporting high taxes that have drawn socialist admiration, while the race remains close in polls. Latino voters, a critical swing demographic in New Jersey, will play a decisive role, as recent shifts toward the GOP in Hispanic communities could signal important national trends ahead of the 2026 midterms. Additionally, Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's ascendance in New York City politics may have an indirect impact on Sherrill’s campaign by association. These dynamics collectively underscore the complex political landscape shaping New Jersey’s next governor and its implications for broader regional and national politics.