Mikie Sherrill Holds Lead in New Jersey Governor Race Amid Intensifying Campaign Tensions

Democrat Mikie Sherrill leads New Jersey’s tight gubernatorial contest in multiple surveys. Fox News’ Tuesday poll had Sherrill ahead of Republican Jack Ciattarelli by eight points among likely voters, 50% to 42%. Sherrill leads registered voters by seven points, 48% to 41% for her Republican opponent. In the conservative Quenatus Insights poll, Sherrill leads likely voters by two points, 48% to 46%. After Labor Day, she led by ten points, but this is down.

This survey comes during one of New Jersey’s most closely watched gubernatorial campaigns. Both candidates have increased their rhetoric and personal attacks in recent weeks. Ciattarelli has accused Sherrill of profiting from stock trading in Congress, while Sherrill fears he will hike the state’s sales tax to 10%, which the Republican rejects. Tensions intensified when Sherrill accused Ciattarelli of working with Trump to falsely release her military documents, including her Social Security number. These claims were dismissed by Ciattarelli’s team as a distraction.

Trump, who endorsed Ciattarelli in the Republican primary, weighed in after an Emerson College/PIX11/The Hill survey tied the two candidates, a first in head-to-head polling that did not favor Sherrill. Trump criticized Sherrill on Truth Social, stressing the NJ governor’s race. Governor Phil Murphy is term-limited after two terms. Election will determine his successor.

Sherrill’s lead in several polls suggests she maintains strong voter support, especially among key New Jersey demographics, despite growing tension and close polling. Her legislative experience, moderate Democratic attitude, and focus on local economic and social issues have given her an edge, analysts say. The final weeks of the campaign will be particularly contentious as both candidates increase their outreach and public messaging as the race tightens and national leaders like Trump engage personally.

The following weeks will see voters intently watching candidates, campaign commercials, and policy proposals. While championing New Jersey’s economy, healthcare, and education, Sherrill must defend herself from personal attacks. In contrast, Ciattarelli aims to leverage perceived mistakes and conservative support to close the margin before Election Day. This race could alter politics in New Jersey, a politically influential state with a diverse electorate.

Sources
Fox News
Quenatus Insights
Emerson College/PIX11/The Hill
NJ Advance Media