Upcoming Primaries on June 10

New Jersey voters are gearing up for a pivotal decision on June 10, when they will select their Democratic and Republican nominees for governor. This election is particularly significant as it could shape the political landscape of the Garden State for years to come, closing a series of competitive primary contests.

Democratic Contenders

The Democratic side features a diverse lineup of candidates, with six individuals vying for the nomination to succeed term-limited Democrat Governor Phil Murphy. Among the candidates are:

• Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark
• Steve Fulop, Mayor of Jersey City
• Sean Spiller, President of the New Jersey Education Association
• Steve Sweeney, former New Jersey Senate President
• Josh Gottheimer, U.S. Representative
• Mikie Sherrill, U.S. Representative

Republican Aspirants

On the Republican front, five candidates are competing for their party’s nomination. The Republican candidates are:

• Jack Ciattarelli, 2021 Gubernatorial Nominee
• Bill Spadea, Radio Personality
• Jon Bramnick, New Jersey State Senator
• Mario Kranjac, Former Englewood Cliffs Mayor
• Justin Barbera, Political Outsider

Echoes of Trump’s Influence

In their campaigns, both Democratic and Republican candidates have invoked the name of former President Donald Trump. Democrats are positioning themselves as the strongest opposition to Trump, while Republicans strive to align themselves closely with the former president.

In the midst of their campaigns, Mikie Sherrill has suggested a third Trump impeachment, highlighting the polarized atmosphere in which these elections are taking place.

National Significance

New Jersey is one of only two states holding gubernatorial elections in 2025, alongside Virginia. Analysts view both elections as crucial barometers for understanding voter attitudes toward Trump’s potential second term as the 2024 midterm elections approach.

Despite being considered a traditionally blue state, Trump made significant inroads in New Jersey during the 2024 elections, demonstrating an almost five-point improvement from his 2020 performance. His rallies, including a notable event on the Jersey Shore, indicated his belief that New Jersey could indeed be competitive.

Republican Candidate Landscape

Among Republican candidates, Jack Ciattarelli leads with 42% support among registered Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, according to a Rutgers-Eagleton poll. He is followed by Bill Spadea at 12%. The poll indicated a fragmented Republican electorate, with candidates Bramnick, Barbera, and Kranjac trailing significantly.

This marks Ciattarelli’s third gubernatorial bid after a narrow loss to Murphy in 2021. His campaign frames itself as a critique of the Democratic policies that have dominated New Jersey for eight years.

Democratic Candidate Dynamics

Democratic candidates face a delicate balancing act: building upon Governor Murphy’s accomplishments while also promising reforms. A recent poll reflects a division among Democrats, with Mikie Sherrill leading at 17% support, followed closely by Steve Fulop at 12%. Sean Spiller, Ras Baraka, and Steve Sweeney follow behind.

Baraka has recently garnered attention due to his arrest for trespassing at an ICE facility in Newark, with his supporters rallying around him despite criticism from authorities.

Challenges Facing the Garden State

As the primaries approach, New Jersey has faced a barrage of challenges, including severe disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport, multiple system outages, and a New Jersey Transit strike that has impacted hundreds of thousands of commuters. Additionally, a significant sinkhole recently closed a portion of Interstate 80, exacerbating travel issues across the state.

Voting Information

In-person early voting will take place from June 3 to June 8. Voters will be able to cast their ballots between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Election Day, June 10. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, and received by the county Board of Elections no later than six days after the polls close.