TRENTON, N.J. — Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) has defeated former state assembly member Jack Ciattarelli (R) in the New Jersey governor’s race, according to Decision Desk HQ, marking a major Democratic win in the first election cycle since the start of President Trump’s second term.
Sherrill, a four-term congresswoman representing northern New Jersey, overcame a strong challenge from Ciattarelli, a familiar contender who was making his third bid for governor after narrowly losing to outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy (D) in 2021. With Murphy term-limited, Sherrill’s victory ensures Democrats will retain control of the governor’s office in a closely watched swing state.
A former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, Sherrill campaigned on expanding access to affordable housing, improving infrastructure, and defending reproductive rights — issues that resonated with suburban and independent voters across the state.
Ciattarelli ran on a platform emphasizing tax cuts and public safety but struggled to distance himself from the national Republican Party’s alignment with Trump, whose unpopularity in parts of New Jersey likely hindered GOP turnout.
Sherrill’s win is expected to energize Democrats nationally, offering an early signal of the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms.
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