Poll Shows Democrat Mikie Sherrill Leading in New Jersey Gubernatorial Race

Recent polling indicates that Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill currently holds a significant lead over Republican Jack Ciattarelli in the New Jersey governor’s race. The Rutgers-Eagleton/SSRS survey reports Sherrill at 51% support among registered voters, while Ciattarelli trails with 31%. About 13% remain undecided, and 5% favor neither candidate.

Ciattarelli, who came close to unseating incumbent Governor Phil Murphy four years ago, faces an uphill battle despite previous surprises in the polls. In 2021, he narrowly missed victory by just 2.8 percentage points.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill speaking at a podium — Rep. Mikie Sherrill has been regarded as the frontrunner in the NJ gubernatorial contest.

Sherrill’s campaign has emphasized opposition to the Trump administration, a stance resonating with a majority of voters. Over half (52%) of respondents cited President Trump as a “major factor” influencing their vote, with an additional 18% viewing him as a “minor factor,” reflecting Trump’s continued influence on voter preferences.

Sherrill’s strengths across key issues include better support on taxes (39% vs. 34%), affordability, the economy, and fiscal management, according to the survey. Conversely, Ciattarelli’s support is weaker on these fronts, highlighting the challenges he faces.

Zohran Mamdani at the NYC Pride Parade — Republicans are eyeing Zohran Mamdani’s recent victory in NYC as a potential advantage in the upcoming elections.

Republicans hope that Zohran Mamdani’s surprising win in New York City’s Democratic primary can be leveraged to improve their chances in neighboring states. Ciattarelli emphasized his intention to counter perceived chaos associated with the city’s new mayor, asserting that he will act proactively to protect New Jersey from similar issues.

President Trump on Air Force One — President Trump’s influence remains a significant factor among New Jersey voters.

The survey also highlights that President Trump’s presence continues to impact voter choices in New Jersey. Despite his primary role in shaping opinions, experts caution that these early polls are only a snapshot and the race could shift as the election approaches. A total of 579 registered voters participated in the poll conducted from June 13-16, with a margin of error of approximately 5.2%. The race remains dynamic, with many unpredictable factors still at play.