A former Navy pilot and ‘Jersey guy’ face off for governor of New Jersey

November 3, 2025

The New Jersey gubernatorial race between Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli has become infused with gender dynamics, with Ciattarelli adopting a "Jersey guy" persona while appearing to reference Trump's potentially derogatory language about Sherrill. Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot, is balancing her military credentials with her identity as a mother in a changed political landscape where Trump's aggressive masculinity has recently succeeded nationally.

Who is affected

Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill (gubernatorial candidate)
Jack Ciattarelli (Republican gubernatorial nominee)
New Jersey women's groups (who condemned Ciattarelli's remarks)
New Jersey voters, particularly working-class and non-White voters
Ibrar Nadeem (Ciattarelli's Muslim relations adviser)
Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy (term-limited current governor)
The Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities (affected by Nadeem's comments)

What action is being taken

Sherrill is running a campaign highlighting her military service, motherhood, and centrist legislative record
Ciattarelli is allying himself with Trump and promoting his "Jersey guy" identity
Both candidates are focusing their messaging on the economy and cost of living
Ciattarelli is defending his Muslim relations adviser while stating his own support for same-sex marriage

Why it matters

This race is significant because it represents a test case for how gender dynamics play out in politics in the post-Trump era, where aggressive masculinity has gained political currency. New Jersey's dramatic rightward shift in 2024 makes this traditionally blue state competitive, potentially signaling broader electoral trends. The race also illustrates how women candidates face different standards for authenticity and qualification than male candidates, requiring them to balance multiple identities while their male opponents receive more latitude in their presentation and behavior.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The 19th