TRENTON, N.J. — Democrat Mikie Sherrill, a four term member of Congress and former Navy helicopter pilot, has been elected governor of New Jersey, defeating Republican Jack Ciattarelli in a closely watched race that tested both parties’ strength ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Sherrill’s victory marks a significant win for Democrats eager to retain control of the New Jersey governor’s mansion after eight years of Democratic leadership.
Her win comes as voters in neighboring Virginia also elected a Democrat, Abigail Spanberger, signaling continued resistance to former President Donald Trump’s influence in key battleground states.
“This is a victory for the people of New Jersey,” Sherrill told supporters Tuesday night at a rally in Montclair. “We chose progress, unity and a future that puts working families first.”
The New Jersey gubernatorial race drew national attention as one of only two governor’s races held this year. Sherrill, 52, built her campaign around themes of economic recovery, infrastructure investment and protecting reproductive rights.
Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman and small business owner, ran on lowering property taxes and reducing state spending. Former President Trump endorsed Ciattarelli early in the campaign, holding tele rallies and urging his supporters to turn out.
But in a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly one million, the endorsement proved to be more polarizing than helpful. Ciattarelli, who previously lost the governor’s race in 2021 to Democrat Phil Murphy, conceded late Tuesday.
“We fought hard for every vote,” he said in his concession speech in Somerset County. “But the people of New Jersey have spoken, and I congratulate Mikie Sherrill on her victory.”
Political analysts said Sherrill’s win underscores the enduring Democratic advantage in a state that has not elected a Republican governor since Chris Christie left office in 2018.
Analysts said the contest served as a barometer for Trump’s continued influence within the Republican Party and for Democratic messaging in suburban and coastal states.
“New Jersey voters have consistently leaned Democratic in statewide contests, but this race was a real test of whether Trump’s endorsement could shift that dynamic,” said Dr. Laura Benton, a political science professor at Rutgers University. “It didn’t and that tells us something about the limits of his appeal in the Northeast.”
At the same time, Sherrill’s victory reflected her centrist positioning and military background, which appealed to moderates and independents. “Her bipartisan image and focus on practical governance gave her credibility beyond the Democratic base,” said Benton.
According to preliminary results from the New Jersey Division of Elections, Sherrill won approximately 54 percent of the vote to Ciattarelli’s 45 percent, with the remaining ballots split among third party candidates.
Turnout was slightly higher than in the 2021 gubernatorial election, particularly in urban and suburban counties such as Essex, Bergen, and Middlesex, where Democrats expanded their margins.
Comparatively, Sherrill’s margin exceeded Phil Murphy’s re-election win four years ago, suggesting stable Democratic strength despite national concerns about inflation and voter fatigue.
By contrast, in Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger also secured victory, becoming the state’s first female governor. The dual wins in Virginia and New Jersey give Democrats a morale boost after several months of internal divisions in Congress and low presidential approval ratings.
In downtown Newark, voter Jessica Martinez, 34, said she felt “relieved” by the outcome. “I wanted someone who believes in science, supports women’s rights, and understands what working families go through,” she said. “Mikie Sherrill checks all those boxes.”
Republican voter Alan Russo of Hunterdon County said he was disappointed but not surprised by the results. “Ciattarelli ran a strong campaign, but Trump’s involvement didn’t help,” he said. “A lot of independents tuned out once they saw his name attached.”
Local business owner Raymond Chen, 45, said he voted for Sherrill because of her record on infrastructure and small business relief. “She’s pragmatic, not ideological,” he said. “That’s what this state needs.”
Sherrill’s inauguration, scheduled for January, will place her at the center of state and national politics as Democrats look to solidify their hold on coastal strongholds ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Her administration is expected to focus on transportation upgrades, renewable energy projects, and expanding access to healthcare issues she championed in Congress.
However, challenges remain. New Jersey faces one of the nation’s highest property tax burdens, persistent budget pressures, and infrastructure needs that demand bipartisan cooperation.
“Sherrill will need to navigate a complex political landscape,” said James O’Reilly, a policy analyst at the Eagleton Institute of Politics. “Democrats control the legislature, but economic realities mean she’ll have to make tough choices early in her term.”
Mikie Sherrill’s election as New Jersey’s next governor cements Democratic control of the state’s highest office and provides a symbolic counterpoint to Trump’s ongoing efforts to influence local politics.
As one of the nation’s few statewide races in 2025, her victory carries implications far beyond New Jersey, offering Democrats a narrative of resilience and Republicans a reminder that Trump’s brand remains divisive in moderate, suburban states.
For now, Sherrill’s win represents continuity for New Jersey voters seeking pragmatic leadership and a new chapter for a party determined to hold its ground heading into an uncertain political era.