Mikie Sherrill will be New Jersey’s next governor

November 5, 2025

Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill has won New Jersey's gubernatorial election, becoming the state's first Democratic woman governor after defeating Republican Jack Ciattarelli. A former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, Sherrill first entered Congress in 2018 by flipping a Republican district during Trump's initial presidency. The race focused heavily on economic concerns and Trump's influence, with polls indicating a tight contest despite New Jersey's traditional Democratic leanings at the state level.

Who is affected

Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill (winner)
Republican Jack Ciattarelli (defeated candidate)
New Jersey citizens and residents
Outgoing Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy (term-limited)
Working-class and non-White voters in New Jersey
President Donald Trump (politically)

What action is being taken

Sherrill is being projected as the winner and is poised to take office as New Jersey's next governor.

Why it matters

This election serves as an important barometer of national political sentiment 10 months into Trump's second term. It is particularly significant because New Jersey, while traditionally solidly Democratic at the state level, experienced a dramatic rightward shift in the 2024 presidential election with Trump making substantial gains among working-class and non-White voters. Sherrill's victory makes her New Jersey's second woman governor and first Democratic woman to hold the office, representing a historic milestone. The race's focus on affordability, costs, and Trump's influence reflects broader national concerns about economic security and political direction.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The 19th