New Jersey Governor’s Race Tightens in Final Month

New Jersey’s race for governor is tightening with less than a month to go, setting up a competitive finish in a state that has trended Democratic in recent statewide contests.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee, faces former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican nominee, in the Nov. 4 election. Polls show a close race, with Sherrill holding a modest lead that has narrowed since the summer.

The contest is drawing national attention as an early test of the political environment ahead of the 2026 midterms. Both parties are pouring money into the race, and outside groups are spending heavily on advertising in the expensive Philadelphia and New York media markets.

Property taxes remain the dominant issue for New Jersey voters, as they are in nearly every Garden State election. New Jersey has the highest effective property tax rates in the nation, and both candidates have made affordability a centerpiece of their campaigns.

Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, is emphasizing her national security background and support for abortion rights. Ciattarelli, a businessman making his third run for governor, is focusing on taxes, the cost of living and criticism of Democratic governance in Trenton.

The Philadelphia suburbs matter in this race. South Jersey counties, which sit in the Philadelphia media market, are a key battleground, and turnout there could decide the outcome in a close election.

Early voting begins in late October, and vote-by-mail ballots are already going out to voters who requested them. New Jersey offers in-person early voting for about a week before Election Day.

With the margin narrow and both campaigns spending heavily, the final weeks are likely to be dominated by negative advertising. Voters should expect their televisions, mailboxes and phones to stay busy through Nov. 4.