On June 10, 2025, New Jersey voters went to the polls to select their party’s nominee for governor, with the winner of this highly competitive race set to succeed two-term Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, who is limited by state law to two consecutive terms. The election featured a crowded field of candidates, with six Democrats and five Republicans vying for their respective party’s nomination.
The results came in quickly after the polls closed, with the Associated Press declaring former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli the winner of the Republican primary just moments after 8:00 p.m. Ciattarelli, who has previously run for governor in 2021, emerged victorious over a field that included contractor Justin Barbera, state Sen. Jon Bramnick, former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac, and former radio host Bill Spadea.
On the Democratic side, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill clinched a decisive victory in the early hours of the evening. Her win in the Democratic primary was faster than many had anticipated, especially in a race that had been widely regarded as unpredictable. Sherrill triumphed over a diverse group of opponents, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney.
The primary results set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between Sherrill and Ciattarelli in the general election on November 4, 2025. This contest will ultimately decide who will succeed Governor Murphy in January 2026.
In addition to the two major party candidates, the November ballot will also feature five independent candidates, adding another layer of competition to an already crowded race.
The results reported by the Associated Press are considered unofficial at this time, as mail-in ballots and provisional ballots will continue to be counted in the days following the primary. Voters and political analysts will be watching closely as the final numbers emerge.
This election marks a critical moment in New Jersey politics, as the state prepares for a change in leadership after nearly a decade under Governor Murphy. With both major parties fielding strong contenders, the 2025 gubernatorial election is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched races in the state’s history.
For now, the focus shifts to the general election in November, where the stakes will be high as Sherrill and Ciattarelli battle for the opportunity to shape the future of New Jersey.
