New Jersey Democratic Governor Primary Features Dozen Candidates, High Early Turnout

New Jersey's 2025 gubernatorial primary features a crowded Democratic field including U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, all vying to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy. The race is notably competitive with close polling and fundraising totals, especially between Gottheimer and Sherrill, and is complicated by overlapping constituencies and the absence of a county line, which traditionally influenced endorsements. Immigration has emerged as a key campaign issue, highlighted by Baraka's recent arrest and dropped trespassing charges at an immigration detention center protest. On the Republican side, former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli seeks the nomination again after a narrow loss in 2021. Analysts suggest turnout and key municipalities such as Montclair could be decisive in determining the Democratic nominee in what is expected to be an unpredictable and low-turnout primary. Additionally, New Jersey continues to stand out nationally by allowing unusual legal bets on political events, including presidential elections, which are banned in most other states, reflecting its innovative approach to gambling regulation.